Environmental Program Consultant

State of North Carolina • Raleigh, NC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

This Environmental Program Consultant (EPC) is responsible for writing and reviewing complex Major Municipal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permits for municipalities that manage pretreatment programs or discharge wastewater exceeding one million gallons per day. The EPC partners with engineers (who focus on treatment technologies and design) and Environmental Specialists (who focus on routine permits and internal processing coordination). Site visits require the ability to navigate through rough and uneven terrain and work in unfavorable conditions, including exposure to heat/cold/inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, machinery, and insects. May drive state vehicles; valid NC Driver’s License required. Occasional overnight travel required. EPCs in Municipal Permitting positions generally spend less than 5% of their time in the field. Position requires the ability to successfully manage multiple projects within time constraints and comprehend and interpret engineering and regulatory documentation.

Requirements

• Master'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 three (3) years of experience related to the area of assignment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• valid NC Driver’s License required
• ability to successfully manage multiple projects within time constraints and comprehend and interpret engineering and regulatory documentation

Responsibilities

• Develop and Issue Complex NPDES Wastewater Permits: - Write and review complex wastewater discharge permits and make regulatory decisions based on interpretations, permit conditions, and internal procedures
• Serve as a consultant to regulated communities, balancing scientific analysis, regulations, risk management, and public participation
• Participate in technical reviews by engineering staff, providing permit development and regulatory expertise to collaborate on reviewing engineering alternative analyses, process flow diagrams, eDMR data, sludge management plans, and other relevant information in the development of an effective NPDES permitting program
• Peer Review: Conduct detailed reviews of draft permits prepared by other permit writers for consistency, technical accuracy, compliance, and legally defensible content
• Special Projects: Assist the Unit Supervisor with special assignments and strategic projects that modify the permitting program, such as analyzing regulatory changes or best practices, reviewing basinwide plans, developing innovative permitting practices for complex cases, conducting research on a variety of water quality protections, etc.
• Public Meetings/Public Response: Attend public hearings on complex permit issues as a subject-matter expert; respond to questions from the regulated community and the general public; prepare public notice materials and public presentations; review and analyze written and oral comments received during the public comment period and public hearing comments on draft permits

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.
• If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees