Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?
DEQ has an open opportunity for an
Environmental Specialist I.
- This is an anticipated vacancy.
This position is expected to be available on August 22, 2025. *
This position is located at: 2090 U.S Highway 70, Swannanoa NC 28778
It is full-time (40 hours per week) with State Benefits.
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 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.
The primary purpose of the
Environmental Specialist I oversees compliance of the following type of DWR-permitted facilities: all scales and types of NPDES wastewater facilities, industrial wastewater pretreatment inspections, wastewater collection systems (major, minor and deemed), non-discharge wastewater permits types including residuals distribution and application, closed-loop recycle, drip irrigation, high-rate infiltration, spray irrigation, etc.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and coordinate the non-discharge permit program activities within the regional office including; scheduling, tracking and reporting compliance inspections and compliance status of facilities
- Perform compliance inspections primarily for Non-discharge facilities. NPDES, pretreatment and collection system inspections are also conducted as necessary to support the NPDES program.
- Investigate complaints in accordance with expectations document depending on volume, receiving stream and potential impacts to environment and public health
- Conduct on-site compliance investigations in response to complaints and reports of activities contributing to environmental impacts.
- Communicate and collaborate with other regional non-discharge inspectors to maintain consistency across the state.
- Valid Driver License Required
The Division Of Water Resources
The Division of Water Resources' mission is to protect the state's water supplies and foster stewardship of this natural resource for use by current and future generations of citizens. The Division comprises five Sections: Water Quality Regional Operations; Water Sciences; Public Water Supply; Water Quality Permitting; Animal and Coal Ash Operations; and Water Planning. This goal is achieved through providing technical assistance, consultative services, permitting of regulated entities, certification of water treatment plant operators and wastewater operators, inspection and compliance activities, laboratory analysis and testing, and educational outreach and training. Click here to learn more about the
Division of Water Resources.
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. 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. Please visit our website at the
Department of Environmental Quality for more information.
