Environmental Specialist II

State of North Carolina • Mooresville, NC

19h • $52,592 - $60,043 • Hybrid

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 two primary areas of focus for this Environmental Specialist II position at the Mooresville Regional Office are 401 Water Quality Certifications and Riparian Buffer Determinations and Authorizations. These include specialized tasks that require input from an experienced specialist in streams, wetlands, and water quality impacts associated with construction and development around streams and wetlands.

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 years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license
• Proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets

Nice To Haves

• Experience in streams, wetlands, and water quality impacts associated with construction and development around streams and wetlands.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate applications for 401 certifications and buffer authorizations, and draft 401 certification and buffer authorization letters
• Review projects for environmental impacts related to riparian buffer and 401 issues
• Perform stream buffer determinations
• Perform compliance inspections and enforcement for permitted facilities
• Investigate and assess citizen complaints and environmental emergencies (including carrying the emergency phone on a rotating basis), and implement enforcement actions as needed
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisors, which include but are not limited to report review, enforcement actions, permitting, environmental sampling, and public outreach associated with other programs under the jurisdiction of the DWR

Benefits

• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays
• Comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

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