Agency
Dept of Environmental Quality
Division
Water Resources
Job Classification Title
Environmental Specialist II (NS)
Position Number
Grade
NC14
About Us
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.
Description Of Work
DWR is seeking an enthusiastic candidate for this ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II position within the 401 and Buffer Transportation Branch, based in DEQ's Regional Office in Washington, North Carolina. This position is responsible for reviewing 401 and Buffer applications for NCDOT Highway Divisions 1 and 2, and reports to the Transportation Permitting Branch Supervisor in Raleigh, NC.
Environmental Specialists are expected to be able to work independently, while maintaining strong relationships with team members in the Raleigh Central Office and Regional Offices across the state, as well as with their regional DOT counterparts while assisting on transportation projects. If not previously completed, NC Surface Water Identification and Training Certification (SWITC) course will be required after hire. Must be able to conduct field investigations that may require exposure to inclement weather, insects, and hot and cold temperatures. Occasional overnight travel is required. Must be able to traverse over rough terrain carrying field equipment necessary to perform job duties. Valid NC Driver's License required; you must be able to obtain within six (6) months of hire and maintain for employment.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare written approvals, including 401 Water Quality Certifications and Riparian Buffer Authorizations for secondary roads, highways, bridges, and other maintenance projects constructed for DOT Divisions 1 & 2, and / or other transportation projects, including railroad and airport projects
- Represent DWR at NCDOT 404 / NEPA Merger meetings in Raleigh, including any ancillary functions such as attendance at scoping meetings, field site visits, Merger Team meetings, planning meetings, or public hearings
- Review NCDOT wetland, stream, and buffer mitigation plans and conduct site inspections
- Review projects impacting wetlands and streams in coastal ecosystems and in conjunction with the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) review process
- Review and comment on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) / State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) documents in a timely manner
- Conduct onsite inspections of NCDOT stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) as they relate to 401 Water Quality Certifications and NC administrative codes
- Serve as a technical resource on NCDOT transportation planning and environmental planning processes and facilitate the development of transportation projects and initiatives conducted by NCDOT by providing early review and technical input on these efforts
- Collaborate with team members on projects outside of Divisions 1 & 2 as needed, as well as with non-transportation 401 Water Quality staff to ensure consistency within the Division
- In coordination with the central office, assist with development and implementation of training programs for NCDOT staff; provide technical assistance to NCDOT during project development and construction, including training, issuance of in-field permit modifications, and field services; and conduct onsite project reviews during construction
- May serve as a representative on various task forces set up by NCDOT and DEQ to resolve complex issues and conflicts of special interest to NCDOT
Significant : This posting closes at 11 : 59 : 59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.
This is an anticipated vacancy.
This position is expected to be available on October 25,
Supplemental Information
The Division Of Water Resources
The Division of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for protecting North Carolina's drinking, surface and groundwater for all waterbodies including lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and aquifers. This environmental stewardship is accomplished through actions including permitting issuance, investigations, regulatory compliance, and enforcement, monitoring and field assessments, certifications, laboratory analysis and testing, planning, water quality standards management, educational outreach, and other efforts. The Division comprises six sections : Water Quality Regional Operations, Water Sciences, Public Water Supply, Water Quality Permitting, Water Quality NPDES Permitting, and Water Planning. Click here to learn more about the Division of Water Resources.
The Water Quality Permitting Section Transportation Permitting Branch works with the general public, towns, cities, and the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to assist with the planning, permitting and design of transportation projects. Their goal is to provide needed infrastructure for citizens while ensuring the continued protection of North Carolina's water quality. The Branch's responsibilities include the review of 401 certification applications for transportation projects and wetland and stream mitigation plans, as well as conducting relevant site visits. Branch staff represent the Division of Water Resources on the 404 / NEPA Merger Team. The Branch also includes staff that are associated with the Headwater Stream Spatial Dataset project.
If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit to learn more.
This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays. The NC Department of Environmental Quality trusts our employees to be self-motivated and successful in hybrid / remote roles. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management.
Minimum Education And Experience
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.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter
Deborah Williams
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