Environmental Specialist II

State of North Carolina

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This Environmental Specialist II (ES II) manages tasks related to 401 Water Quality Certifications and Buffer Authorizations in the Water Quality Regional Operations Section (WQROS) at the Washington (NC) Regional Office (WaRO). Tasks include evaluating wetland impacts, buffer authorizations, conducting surface water determinations, riparian buffer coordination, preparation of associated certifications, approvals, and/or permits, and enforcement recommendations. The ES II also responds to water quality-based complaints and environmental incidents, provides emergency response as necessary, and provides support for other WQROS operations as needed. This position requires: occasional overnight travel; ability to perform tasks required for physical inspections; ability to walk several miles through rough terrain, over hills or ditches, during field investigations and tolerate exposure to loud noise, extreme weather conditions, insects, small animals, snakes, and chemical substances; proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets; and driving a state-owned vehicle, which requires a valid NC driver's license. Some emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or weekends, on a limited basis.

Requirements

• occasional overnight travel
• ability to perform tasks required for physical inspections
• ability to walk several miles through rough terrain, over hills or ditches, during field investigations and tolerate exposure to loud noise, extreme weather conditions, insects, small animals, snakes, and chemical substances
• proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets
• driving a state-owned vehicle, which requires a valid NC driver's license
• 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 (2) years of experience related to the area of assignment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• 401 Water Quality Certifications and Buffer Authorizations: Review Preconstruction Notification (PCN) applications
• Draft 401 Water Quality Authorization Certifications, Riparian Buffer Authorization Certifications, Riparian Buffer Minor Variances, and additional information letters
• provide support to central office staff related to major variances, requested projects, and EMC presentations
• Provide support to other WaRO WQROS programs to satisfy daily operational needs, including providing wastewater facility compliance oversight such as facility inspections, review of monitoring data, and preparation of enforcement-based documents
• Conduct designated 401 inspections and prepare enforcement-based documents to address areas of non-compliance, including Notices of Violation and Civil Penalty Assessment packages
• Investigate citizen complaints and environmental incidents, provide emergency response for water quality-based emergencies, and take action as needed to address any identified compliance issues

Benefits

• If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays.
• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level