Environmental Specialist I

Department of Environmental Quality • New Hanover County, NC

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life. The primary duties and responsibilities of this position are the inspections of, construction sites, dams, storm water and mines. This position determines its inspection schedule according to the priorities and policies of the section. However, citizen complaints and emergency situations such as dam failures, have top priority. The Regional Engineer determines the geographic area covered. The Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) is comprised of two Sections: Land Quality and Geological Survey. For more information: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-and-land-resources The Land Quality Section is responsible for the administration of four regulatory programs: Dam Safety program as authorized by the Dam Safety Act of 1967, Mining Program as authorized by the Mining Act of 1971, Sediment Program as authorized by the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 and Stormwater Program as authorized by State Statutes and the federal Clean Water Act. DEMLR collects permit fees and issues permits for mines, dams, sedimentation control for construction sites, and stormwater permits for various activities and refers enforcement cases to the Attorney General’s Office. DEMLR is responsible for scheduling, organizing and transcribing minutes of the North Carolina Mining Commission and the Sedimentation Control Commission as well as reporting to the Environmental Management Commission regarding dam safety and stormwater matters. The N.C. Geological Survey (NCGS) Section’s mission is to provide unbiased and technically accurate applied earth science scientific information to address societal needs. This includes geologic maps, mineral resource and geochemical information, topographic maps and digital products, and earth science education initiatives. The NCGS “…examines, surveys, and maps the geology, mineral resources, and topography of the state” and encourages the wise conservation and use of geologic resources by industry, commerce, agriculture and government agencies for the general welfare of the citizens of North Carolina. The results of the NCGS research are documented in Bulletins, Open File Reports, Information Circulars, Special Publications, and Geologic Map Series. The NCGS along with DEMLR provide staff to the Oil and Gas Commission. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit https://studentaid.gov/ to learn more. 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Inspect dams to ensure safety to downstream persons and property that could be in jeopardy in the event of a dam failure.
• Inspect construction sites and respond to citizen's complaints to protect property and watercourses from sediment damage.
• Inspect surface mining operations to ensure compliance with terms of mining permit for public safety, environmental control and reclamation.
• Inspect Industrial General Storm Water Permits, NPDES Storm Water Permits to ensure compliance with Federal EPA rules and States regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees