Environmental Specialist II

State of North Carolina•Reedy Creek Lab Campus Wake, NC

23h•$52,592 - $72,314•Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Specialist II supports the North Carolina Water Safety Act through study design, monitoring coordination, sampling method development, and sample transport for a statewide study of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in municipal and industrial wastewater influent and effluent, as well as other monitoring needs. Statewide studies will generate large numbers of samples on an ongoing basis. The position may require spending up to half of work time traveling and working throughout North Carolina, including extended workdays and overnight stays, particularly during the first two to three years. The specialist packs and transports loaded sample coolers and must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted. A valid driver’s license is required. The position can be based at the Raleigh, Mooresville, or Winston-Salem Regional Office. It currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays; telework options are subject to change at management’s discretion. The recruitment salary range is $52,592 to $72,314.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental, or natural resource science, 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.
Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted.
Ability to travel and work throughout the state for up to half of work time, with extended workdays and overnight stays potentially required, especially during the first two to three years.

Responsibilities

Conduct sampling and transport samples, including site visits, coordinating sample preservation conditions, and arranging sample delivery to Collaboratory academic institutions.
Facilitate communication and coordination among DEQ staff, NPDES-permitted dischargers, and universities involved in the NC Collaboratory, including in-person, electronic, and telephone conversations.
Collaborate with existing programs to maximize sample-collection efficiency and data accuracy for water quality standards development, assessment, and emergency response.
Train internal NCDEQ staff and external public and private entities on Standard Operating Procedures for water and wastewater sampling for PFAS and other analytes.
Audit sampling proficiency to ensure consistent sample quality and data collection throughout the study.
Support DEQ priorities involving PFAS and emerging contaminant monitoring, data management, special-study reporting, and participation in stakeholder and public meetings.