Environmental Senior Technician

State of North Carolina

32d

About The Position

The primary responsibility of this employee is the field survey and sample collection required to determine the public health significance of recreational waters in the central coastal area of North Carolina which includes ocean beaches and coastal waters to the inland water designation from the Topsail Island to the Pamlico River. This employee establishes sampling stations to properly evaluate recreational water quality. This position will provide an accurate description of the location of new stations and will provide assistance in sampling other programs within the section when needed. This employee must understand and record the physical conditions in the area that affect water quality such as tidal stage, wind direction, location of shoals, channels, water depths, and potential pollution sources. This position must accurately and consistently collect samples during the survey at the determined locations to ensure consistency between sampling runs. This position is responsible for carrying out or arranging the necessary maintenance on sampling vehicles, boats, motors, trailers, and other equipment to meet the requirements of Section preventative maintenance schedules. This employee is required to have experience in boat engine repair, troubleshooting electrical and hydraulic systems, and will be responsible for maintaining the functional integrity of boat trailers including wheel bearings, inspecting brake pads, rotors and brake lines along with identifying structural cracks, rust or fatigue. This position is responsible for locating and identifying sources of pollution that may affect the swimming area being monitored and initiating correction procedures when areas of concern are found. This position will assist with hydrographic studies conducted throughout the coastal area to determine dilution and dispersion of pollutants at point source discharges. This position is responsible for accurately locating sample collection sites by using navigational charts and GPS. It is the responsibility of the person in this position to maintain a working knowledge of laboratory examinations and procedures relative to the complete operation of the laboratory. This position is required to perform tests on recreational waters as required by the US EPA and on shellfish waters and shellfish meat samples as required in APHA Recommended Procedures for the Examination of Sea Water and Shellfish. This position is actively involved in all operations and procedures in the laboratory.

Requirements

Possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
Associate's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in environmental or natural resources management work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Walking long distances in rough terrain and shallow water during varying weather conditions to collect water samples from ocean beaches along Cape Lookout, Bogue Banks and Topsail Island.
Communicates the scientific and public health principles on which the Section are based to the public while out in the field collecting samples.
Handling boats up to 23 feet in length in varying weather conditions, as well as backing up a boat trailer and launching the boat into the water using the knowledge of rules pertaining to navigation and safe boat handling.
Navigating boats in the area of responsibility, including White Oak River, Bogue Sound, Newport River, North River, Back Sound, Core Sound, Neuse River, Bay River, and Pamlico River; and reading navigational charts and maps.
Performing maintenance on boats, motors, and trailers; troubleshooting issues with electrical and hydraulic systems.
Using aseptic technique while performing laboratory processes.

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