Environmental Specialist II

State of North Carolina•Raleigh, NC

21h•$52,592 - $81,235•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. This position is Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA) with the exception of Articles 6 and 7. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with applicable State Benefits. The primary purpose of the position is to support regulatory permitting via review and approval tasks necessary for implementation of certain infrastructure projects across all Division wide programs with a priority on those funded by American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA), S.L. 2023-134 and other assigned infrastructure projects. This position provides technical reviews of development project designs and plans that are submitted to the DWR as 401 Water Quality Certifications, Riparian Buffer Authorizations, and Major/Minor Exceptions approvals from the Riparian Buffer rules. A successful candidate will have excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines.

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.
A valid driver's license is required.

Nice To Haves

Excellent organizational skills
Ability to meet strict deadlines

Responsibilities

Review and issue approvals for 401 Water Quality Certifications, Riparian Buffer Authorizations, and other environmental approvals for the Division of Water Resources.
Perform on-site appeal determinations for the presence of waters and wetlands subject to the 401 rules and/or the riparian buffer rules.
Communicate with the public, regulated community, and other state and federal agencies and prepare written reports.