Environmental Specialist I (Flexible/Hybrid)

Future Graduates - Are you graduating soon and looking for a full-time job in environmental science?   Apply now to be considered for an opportunity to work with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality when you graduate.

Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?

DEQ has an open opportunity for an Environmental Specialist I.

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 is an Environmental Specialist I position located in the Winston Salem Regional Office (WSRO) and will work in air quality compliance.  This position requires thorough knowledge of state and federal Air Quality rules and regulations, strong computer skills, excellent customer relation skills, independent judgment, decision-making ability, and adaptability to policy and regulatory changes.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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 facility submitted air emissions inventory reports and other periodic compliance reports and conducts stack test observations.  Must obtain and maintain visible emissions (EPA Method 9) certification in order to perform opacity evaluations.

• Responds to citizen complaints pertaining to open burning, dust, odors and other air quality concerns to determine compliance with State and Federal rules.

• Writes 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.  Requires effective communication, both verbally and in written form, of technical information.

• A valid NC Real ID 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 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.

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.

Recruitment Range:  $44,588 - $54,709

This position is located at:  450 W. Hanes Mill Road, Suite 300, Winston Salem, NCThe 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:

• 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.

• Valid driver's license.

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.

• Graduating Senior students with applicable degrees listed above with an anticipated graduation date of May 2024 will be considered.   Job offers will be contingent upon completion and verification of your degree.

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.

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.

• 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."  If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by management.  If you are no longer under consideration, you will receive an email notification.  If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Wendy Minich or Catina Hinton-Finch at wendy.minich@deq.nc.gov or 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.