Water Sampler

State of North Carolina

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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 Water Sampler is responsible for conducting bacteriological sampling in all shellfish growing areas and monitors recreational swimming areas between Pungo River, Ocracoke, and the Virginia State Line. This sampling will be conducted by boat, by truck, and on foot, and will involve the collection of water samples at pre-determined locations following standardized sampling protocols. These bacteriological samples will be utilized, along with other data and information, to determine the appropriate shellfish harvest classifications for all coastal waters within this geographic area, and to determine if recreational swimming sites are meeting safe swimming standards. Applicants must be able to swim.

Requirements

• Applicants must be able to swim.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating boats and/or trailers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bacteriological surveys in all shellfish growing areas between Pungo River, Ocracoke, and the Virginia State Line. These surveys are conducted entirely by boat and involve the collection of water samples at a series of predefined sampling locations throughout estuarine shellfish growing areas.
• Conduct bacteriological surveys at all monitored recreational swimming areas throughout the same geographic area. These surveys are conducted primarily by truck and on foot and involve the collection of water samples at a series of predefined sampling locations along the oceanfront and at some sound-side and riverine sampling locations.
• Assist the Microbiological Laboratory Specialist in processing samples after collection, as well as the preparation of media and the maintenance and cleaning of lab equipment and supplies.
• Carry out or arrange necessary maintenance on sampling vehicles, boats, motors, trailers, and other equipment.
• Provide vessel support for the shoreline survey program, hydrographic studies of point source discharges of pollution, phytoplankton sampling, or any other special projects necessary to assess water quality in shellfish growing waters or at recreational swimming sites.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees