What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Specialist I (Flexible/Hybrid) position at State of North Carolina - Dept of Environmental...?
Description of Work
Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?
DEQ has an open opportunity for an Environmental Specialist I.
Full time (40 hours per week) with State Benefits.
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.
This position supports the EPA 106 federal grant program and supports the federal EPA and North Carolina National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NC NPDES) program. The primary purpose of this position is to assist in performance and reporting of aquatic toxicity testing of discharges to surface waters of the State, as well as ambient water of the State, by maintaining health of test organisms both vertebrate and invertebrate species and performing effluent testing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide lab support for the Whole Effluent Testing (WET) program by maintaining Ceriodaphnia dubia culture health.
- Assist with conducting NPDES facility wastewater and standard reference toxicity tests using fathead minnows, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and other organisms as needed.
- Maintain clean glassware and a clean laboratory.
- Assist with the Quality Assurance Program and Lab Certification program.
- Assist with the NPDES WET Compliance and Enforcement.
- Provide knowledge to the public as well as all DEQ in regard to Whole Effluent Toxicity.
- Valid Driver License.
The Division of Water Resources 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; Groundwater Resources, and Water Planning. Learn more by visiting Division of Water Resources.
The Aquatic Toxicology Branch (ATB) of the Water Sciences Section is responsible for several diverse functional areas related to implementation of the State's water quality standards which require the protection of all aquatic species from the effects of pollution or other man-induced impairment. The ATB utilizes aquatic toxicity testing to assess the combined effects of all constituents of a potential surface water discharge and works closely with the Permitting and Regional Office staff.
The NC Department of Environmental Quality:
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. 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. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Quality for more information.
If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.
This position is located at: 4401 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh NC 27607
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:
- Ability to apply the basic environmental concepts, practices, and theories involved in the design, development, review, permitting, and/or operations of projects/sites and their potential environmental and safety impacts.
- Ability to analyze, manipulate and evaluate information/data, including the use of software.
- Ability to formulate or assist in the development of management alternatives and recommendations.
- Ability to organize and direct moderately complex research or field studies.
- Ability to prepare written/verbal reports; and ability to work with considerable independence.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.
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.
Graduating Senior students with applicable degrees listed above with an anticipated graduation date will be considered. Job offers will be contingent upon completion of their degree.
Supplemental and Contact Information
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.
DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
- Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to their applications.
- If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an official transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
- If applicants earned a foreign degree, foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency, and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service, feel free to use any service of your choosing. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification: https://www.naces.org/members.
For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help Line at 855-524-5627.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For permanent and time-limited appointments:Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 hours work/week for participation.
