Environmental Specialist I

Adult Correction; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Division of Air Quality is seeking an Environmental Specialist I (NS) in Winston-Salem to perform air quality compliance work. The role requires inspecting industrial facilities, evaluating emissions inventories, and responding to air quality concerns, with opportunities for hybrid telework.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences or related fields and strong communication and technical writing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental, agricultural, engineering, biological, or natural resource sciences or related field.
• Experience with state/federal air quality rules is preferred.
• Strong computer skills and ability to prepare technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site inspections and compliance visits at industrial facilities to ensure adherence to air quality rules and permit requirements.
• Evaluate emissions inventories and conduct stack test observations; obtain EPA Method 9 certification for opacity evaluations.
• Respond to citizen complaints related to air quality and determine compliance with regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, enforcement documents, and provide guidance on air quality issues to stakeholders.

Skills

Air quality regulations

Inspection skills

Technical writing

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science

Tools

EPA Method 9 certification

Job description

Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Air Quality Job Classification Title Environmental Specialist I (NS) Position Number 60035883 Grade NC12

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 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.
• Operate and maintain ambient monitoring equipment including ozone and fine particulate matter (PM-2.5 and PM-10) samplers. These pollutants are collected using both continuous gas-phase analyzers and intermittent manual samplers. Other monitoring equipment may be operated on an as needed basis.

A valid Driver's License is required.

Recruitment Range: Minimum - $47,703 - $65,438

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date Above.

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 about air quality issues.

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit https://studentaid.gov/ to learn more.

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.

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; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

T he State of North Carolina is an Eq