Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?
DEQ has an open opportunity for an Environmental Specialist II (Flexible/Hybrid).
It is 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 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 is pending reclassification to Environmental Specialist II*
The Environmental Specialist II position is a senior level position located in the Asheville Regional Office (ARO) Division of Air Quality (DAQ) and will work in the ambient monitoring and compliance program areas. Â This position requires strong computer skills, excellent customer relation skills, independent judgment, decision-making ability, and adaptability to implement policy and regulatory changes.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinates all ambient monitoring activities in the ARO DAQ including: reviewing all work performed by the monitoring staff to ensure it meets all Quality Assurance Plan criteria and results in valid data with a high level of integrity, maintaining a working knowledge of all monitors the region operates, serving as back-up operator for any of these monitors, and serving as a member of the Ambient Monitoring Workgroup.
- Performs on-site inspections and compliance assurance visits at a variety of industrial facilities to determine compliance with State and Federal rules, permit requirements, and emission limitations. Must be able to climb ladders, be comfortable with heights, walk long distances and be on feet for long periods of time; and have a good sense of smell, hearing, and sight.
- Evaluates periodic compliance report submittals and conducts stack test observations.
- Responds to citizen complaints pertaining to open burning, dust, odors and other air quality concerns to determine compliance with State and Federal rules.
- Writes timely and detailed technical reports, general correspondence, compliance letters, enforcement reports, and other technical documents, and serves as an advisor to air quality staff, industry representatives, state and federal agencies, and the general public on issues related to air quality and compliance. Â Requires effective communication of technical information, both verbally and in written form.Â
- A valid North Carolina Driver's License is required. You must be able to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain for employment.
The Division of Air Quality
The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) works with the state's citizens to protect and improve outdoor, or ambient, air quality in North Carolina for the health, benefit and economic well-being of all. To carry out this mission, the DAQ operates a statewide air quality monitoring network to measure the level of pollutants in the outdoor air, develops and implements plans to meet future air quality initiatives, assures compliance with air quality rules, and educates, informs and assists the public with regard to air quality issues. Click here to learn more about the Division of Air Quality.
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 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 may include eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.
This position is located at: Â Asheville Regional Office, 2070 US Highway 70, Swannanoa, NC
The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position.  We will not review resumes in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application.  Click these links for additional information: Introduction to the Job Application and Addressing Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.  (Note: These links refer to Dept. of Public Safety process; this process is the same for Dept. of Environmental Quality.)
To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:
- Documented experience in developing, coordinating, planning, organizing and/or analyzing programs and/or projects as they relate to environmental programs.
- Demonstrated experience communicating information to clients, municipal/local officials, and/or the public using both written and/or oral communication skills.
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.
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. Â
DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Â 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
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account and click "Application Status." Â If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by management. Â If you are no longer under consideration, you will receive an email notification. Â If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Debra Godwin at debra.godwin@deq.nc.gov or Catina Hinton-Finch at catina.hinton-finch@deq.nc.gov.
For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help Line at 855-524-5627. Â