Environmental Specialist I

State of North Carolina • Asheville, NC

13h • 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 Environmental Specialist I position provides support, regulatory oversight, technical assistance, regulatory guidance and education to the public and permittees for various program areas.

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

• Perform compliance inspections and provide technical assistance and regulatory guidance for applicants.
• Communicate inspection results with permittees, owners, officials or workers to prepare inspection reports and related correspondence.
• Review process applications, including assisting with management plan review as necessary.
• Respond to citizen complaints and inspect sites where standards and other rules have possibly been contravened.
• Communicate regulatory guidance, technical assistance and education to permittees, applicants and the general public.
• Issue Notices of Violations and assess civil penalties, when necessary, provide any additional guidance, support, or documentation to restore compliance with regulations.
• Some emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or on weekends, on a limited basis.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level