Environmental Consultant

Wake County Government; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 77,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County in Raleigh, NC seeks an Environmental Consultant – Watershed to perform regulatory field inspections of construction projects across Wake County and partner jurisdictions. You will enforce erosion and sediment control regulations, review plans, and work with developers and residents to resolve site challenges.

You'll join the Watershed Management Division within the Planning and Development Services Department, bringing diverse backgrounds to protect the environment and deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Three years of experience in environmental planning, inspections or engineering.
• Valid Driver's License and safe driving record.
• Equivalent education and experience accepted.
• At least three years of experience in erosion and sedimentation control, stormwater management or plan review.
• Possesses two or more of the listed certifications (CESSWI, CISEC, CPESC, CGP etc.).

Responsibilities

• Conduct regulatory field inspections of construction projects in Wake County and municipal partner jurisdictions.
• Ensure project activities follow approved construction plans and as-built surveys.
• Utilize industry tools to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Enforce state rules and local ordinances to maintain erosion and sediment control.
• Build relationships with developers and residents to resolve site challenges and advance departmental initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or related field

Tools

CESSWI

CISEC

CPESC

CGP Site Inspector Training

CPSWQ

CSI-Construction

QCIS

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

The Planning and Development Services Department providesopportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. You will beworking with a team of scientists and engineers with multiple backgrounds,brining expertise and experience from various sectors: government, industry and academia, with a passion to protect the environment. The Watershed Management Division strives for first class service delivery and continuednational recognition by making contributions that have broader impacts andimplications beyond the County.

As an Environmental Consultant – Watershed, youwill conduct regulatory field inspections of construction projects in WakeCounty and municipal partner jurisdictions at various stages of development, ensureproject activities follow approved construction plans and as-built surveys andutilize appropriate industry tools to ensure project compliance withenvironmental regulations. You will protect the environment by enforcing staterules and local ordinances to ensure continued State delegation of our erosionand sediment control local program. The Environmental Consultant – Watershed willbuild a solid relationship with the development community and residents toresolve complex site challenges, address complaints and advance Planning andDevelopment Services Department initiatives and performance measures.

About Our Team

The Wake County Planning and Development Services Department consistently functions at a nationally recognized level. We are comprised of four Divisions consisting of Administration, Planning & Zoning, Building Permits & Inspections and Watershed Management. We sustain success by consistently hiring the best and brightest of well-rounded individuals. Our Department embraces different perspectives and collaboration and fully supports the opportunity for leadership to occur at all levels within the Department.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or related field
• Three years of experience in environmental planning, inspections or engineering
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• At least three years of experience in erosion and sedimentation control, stormwater management or plan review

Possesses two or more of the following:

• Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI)
• Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC)
• Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)
• NCDOT Level 2 Certified Erosion and Sediment
• Control/Stormwater Site Manager
• Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ)
• Certified Stormwater Inspector Construction (CSI-Construction)
• Qualified Compliance Inspector of Stormwater (QCIS)
• Qualified Preparer of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (QPSWPPP)
• EPA’s Construction General Permit (CGP) Site Inspector Training Certificate
• Certified Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control Inspector (CEPSCI)
• Certified Designer of Sediment & Erosion Control (CDSEC)

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills
• Detail-oriented, with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to analyze situations, navigate ambiguity and provide informed recommendations and guidance supported by defensible documentation to resolve problems
• Ability to independently prioritize, manage and coordinate multiple assignments and use scientific rules and methods to solve problems
• Ability to learn quickly, understand technical documents and communicate information to nontechnical audiences
• Knowledge of the basic principles of erosion and sedimentation control, stormwater management, plan review and state and local environmental laws and regulations

About This Position

Location: WCOBRaleigh, NC 27602

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 8:30am – 5:15pm

Hiring Range: 76,986.00 - 105,155.00

Market Range: 76,986.00 - 138,582.00

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 11/14/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that mayinclude: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on jobrequirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you fromconsideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected.Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.