Environmental Specialist I (Flexible/Hybrid)

About the position

DEQ has an open opportunity for an Environmental Specialist I. This position supports the EPA 106 federal grant program and supports the federal EPA and North Carolina National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NC NPDES) program. The primary purpose of this position is to assist in performance and reporting of aquatic toxicity testing of discharges to surface waters of the State, as well as ambient water of the State, by maintaining health of test organisms both vertebrate and invertebrate species and performing effluent testing. This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays. The NC Department of Environmental Quality trusts our employees to be self-motivated and successful in hybrid/remote roles. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management.

Responsibilities

• Provide lab support for the Whole Effluent Testing (WET) program by maintaining Ceriodaphnia dubia culture health.
• Assist with conducting NPDES facility wastewater and standard reference toxicity tests using fathead minnows, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and other organisms as needed.
• Maintain clean glassware and a clean laboratory.
• Assist with the Quality Assurance Program and Lab Certification program.
• Assist with the NPDES WET Compliance and Enforcement.
• Provide knowledge to the public as well as all DEQ in regard to Whole Effluent Toxicity.

Requirements

• Ability to apply the basic environmental concepts, practices, and theories involved in the design, development, review, permitting, and/or operations of projects/sites and their potential environmental and safety impacts.
• Ability to analyze, manipulate and evaluate information/data, including the use of software.
• Ability to formulate or assist in the development of management alternatives and recommendations.
• Ability to organize and direct moderately complex research or field studies.
• Ability to prepare written/verbal reports; and ability to work with considerable independence.
• Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental, or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Graduating Senior students with applicable degrees listed above with an anticipated graduation date will be considered.

Benefits

• Full time (40 hours per week) with State Benefits.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.