Environmental Specialist I
About The Position
Environmental Specialists (ES) with the Water Quality Regional Operations Section (WQROS) of DEQ’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) are our professional “boots on the ground” who go out to the field to inspect facilities, investigate complaints, collect samples, respond to environmental emergences, and provide technical assistance, outreach, and training. The positions require frequent coordination with the regulated community, permittees, other stakeholders, and the public at large. Field work requires the ability to perform tasks required for physical inspections; walking through rough, steep, and uneven terrain; and tolerating exposure to noise, extreme weather conditions, dust, fumes, machinery, insects, small animals, snakes, chemical substances, etc. State-owned vehicles are used, so ES must have a valid driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Some environmental emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or weekends, on a limited basis. Back in the office, ES complete the required data entry and preparation and/or review of documents related to field inspections, permits and/or certifications, complaint investigations, compliance and enforcement actions, and keep their knowledge of rules and regulations current. This requires proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets. The primary areas of focus for this Environmental Specialist I position at the Raleigh Regional Office are facilities holding an NPDES discharge permit and sewer collection system permit.
Requirements
- Proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to perform tasks required for physical inspections; walking through rough, steep, and uneven terrain; and tolerating exposure to noise, extreme weather conditions, dust, fumes, machinery, insects, small animals, snakes, chemical substances, etc.
- 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
- Bachelor's students in an applicable program with an anticipated graduation date will be considered. Job offers will be contingent upon completion of their degree.
Responsibilities
- Conduct compliance inspections and sampling at facilities holding an NPDES permit and/or sewer collection system permit
- Review permit applications and assist with issuing permits under the regional office jurisdiction
- Prepare enforcement documents required by DEQ programs and policies
- Participate/develop, organize, conduct and analyze monitoring results of compliance efforts, special studies, and outreach initiatives targeted toward a specific pollutant reduction effort, watershed, sub-watersheds targeted area, regulated community specific initiative, permit renewal needs, rule development, and/or resources specific protection initiative.
- Investigate and assess citizen complaints and environmental emergencies (including carrying the emergency phone on a rotating basis), and implement enforcement actions as needed
Benefits
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
