Environmental Specialist II
About The Position
This Environmental Specialist II position serves as the team lead for the 401 Water Quality Certification Program, Isolated Wetlands/Waters Program, and Riparian Buffer Protection Program within the Division of Water Resources (DWR), Water Quality Permitting Section. The role involves the technical review of applications for certifications, permits, and exceptions, acting as a key liaison between Central and Regional offices to ensure consistent program implementation. The Specialist will interact with applicants, consultants, other agencies, and the public, and may conduct public hearings. This position demands strong organizational skills, the ability to meet deadlines, perform fieldwork in challenging conditions across the state in all seasons, and requires occasional overnight travel and a valid driver's license. Successful candidates will be required to complete the NC Surface Water Identification and Training Certification (SWITC) course after hire if not previously completed.
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 and two (2) years of experience related to the area of assignment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to meet strict deadlines.
- Physical ability to perform field work in rugged conditions throughout the state during all seasons, including exposure to inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, machinery and/or insects.
- Occasional overnight travel.
- Valid driver's license.
- NC Surface Water Identification and Training Certification (SWITC) course will be required after hire if not previously completed.
Responsibilities
- Serve as primary reviewer for technical reviews of major development project applications for Individual 401 Water Quality Certification, Individual Isolated Waters Permit, and/or Exceptions from the Riparian Buffer rules.
- Work routinely with the Division of Coastal Management on projects requiring a 401 Water Quality Certification and authorization under North Carolina’s Coastal Area Management Act.
- Provide technical assistance on Mitigation Bank Review Teams and Individual Permit review teams.
- Assist Branch staff in acting as a liaison between the 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch Central Office and seven (7) DWR Regional Offices to ensure consistent implementation of the Programs across the state.
- Present technical information at training sessions for public and private entities, including the Surface Water Identification and Training Certification (SWITC) Course and Major Variance requests to the Environmental Management Commission.
- Develop, review, and update guidance pertaining to the Programs.
- Provide technical expertise during the development of new water quality rules.
- Assist with stakeholder groups during the rule-making process.
- Sit on technical advisory groups.
- Perform on-site determinations for the presence of waters and wetlands subject to the 401 rules and/or the riparian buffer rules.
- Attend site visits for pre-application meetings and/or post-certification evaluations.
Benefits
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
