Environmental Specialist

Arts In Wilmington; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries, is seeking an Environmental Specialist II (NS) in New Hanover County to evaluate public health significance of shellfish growing waters and perform inspections of shellstock and crustacean processing facilities.

You will serve as a technical resource, provide HACCP guidance, and assist in trace-back investigations of shellfish-related illnesses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agricultural, biological, environmental or natural resource sciences or closely related curriculum with two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in shellfish sanitation or public health-related inspection and HACCP knowledge is preferred.
• Knowledge of shellfish rules and sanitation practices is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct shoreline surveys to assess public health significance of pollution sources affecting shellfish growing waters from New River (Onslow County) to the SC border.
• Perform inspections, certifications, and audits of shellstock, shucking/packing, and crustacean processing operations in southeastern NC.
• Provide technical guidance to shellfish processors and assist in HACCP plan development.
• Assist in investigation of shellfish-related foodborne illness complaints or trace-back investigations.

Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural, biological, environmental or natural resource sciences or closely related curriculum

Job description

## Environmental SpecialistApply: New Hanover County, NC: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: September 26, 2026 (7 days left to apply): JR-124175**Agency**Dept of Environmental Quality**Division**Marine Fisheries**Job Classification Title**Environmental Specialist II (NS)**Position Number**60034545**Grade**NC14**About Us**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.**Description of Work**This Environmental Specialist has responsibilities in both the shoreline survey and the facilities inspections programs within the Shellfish Sanitation and Recreational Water Quality Section. As part of the shoreline survey program, the person in this position will evaluate and assess the public health significance of any potential or actual pollution sources that may impact shellfish growing waters in all active growing areas between the New River in Onslow County and the South Carolina State Line. This position is also responsible for conducting inspections, certifications, and audits of shellstock, shucking/packing, and crustacean processing operations in southeastern North Carolina in accordance with the guidelines set by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program as well as the North Carolina rules governing the sanitation of shellfish and the handling, packing, and shipping of crustacea meat. Key Responsibilities: • Conduct shoreline surveys to assess the public health significance of any potential or actual pollution sources that may impact shellfish growing areas between the New River in Onslow County and the South Carolina State Line. • Conduct inspections, certifications, and audits of all shellstock, shucking/packing, and crustacean processing operations in southeastern North Carolina. • Serve as technical expert to shellfish and crustacean processors, and provide advice, training, and technical assistance as needed. • Provide guidance to shellfish and crustacea operations on HACCP principles and assist in the development of HACCP plans for each facility • Assist in the investigation of any shellfish-related foodborne illness complaints or necessary trace-back investigations or recalls in the region.**Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences**Recruitment Range - $52,592 - $62,559*Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.***The Division of Marine Fisheries**The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the state’s marine and estuarine resources. The DMF’s jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council**,** the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. Click here to learn more about the **Division of Marine Fisheries**.**If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit** **www.studentaid.gov** **to learn more.** **Minimum Education and Experience**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 the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. 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.