Environmental Specialist I

State of North Carolina

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is entry level, located in the Washington Regional Office. and will work within the air quality ambient monitoring and compliance programs. This position requires strong computer skills, excellent customer relation skills, independent judgment, decision-making ability, and adaptability to implement policy and regulatory changes. The work includes both indoor and outdoor conditions, including exposure to ambient elements, insects, wildlife and industrial settings. Valid driver’s license is required. This position’s primary purpose is to perform functions necessary for the operation and maintenance of the region’s ambient air monitoring network, which includes operating monitoring equipment in accordance with established state and federal standards and requirements, ensuring data integrity, performing timely repair of instrumentation, and carefully maintaining records. The Specialist will perform inspections of industrial facilities to determine their compliance with air quality permit conditions and applicable state and federal regulations. The position will also investigate citizen complaints concerning odor, illegal burning, and fugitive dust.

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.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Strong computer skills
• Excellent customer relation skills
• Independent judgment
• Decision-making ability
• Adaptability to implement policy and regulatory changes

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain ambient monitoring equipment for particulate (PM10, PM2.5) , ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and hydrocarbons at remote monitoring shelters.
• Maintain consistent scheduling of monitoring tasks and follow strict state and federal recordkeeping and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct review and validation of monitoring data in accordance with required timelines.
• Perform on-site inspections and compliance assurance visits at a variety of industrial facilities (from simple to complex) to determine compliance with State and Federal rules, permit requirements and emission limitations.
• Evaluate facility submitted air emissions inventory reports and other periodic compliance reports and conducts stack test observations.
• Must obtain and maintain visible emissions (EPA Method 9) certification to perform opacity evaluations.
• Respond to citizen complaints pertaining to open burning, dust, odors and other air quality concerns to determine compliance with State and Federal rules.
• Write technical reports, general correspondence, compliance letters, enforcement reports, and other technical documents.
• Exercise effective communication, both verbally and in written form, of technical information.

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.
• If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

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