Environmental Specialist I

State of North Carolina; Winston-Salem (NC); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework option

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking an Environmental Specialist I (NS) to join the Winston Salem Regional Office in air quality compliance. The role requires strong knowledge of air quality rules, good computer skills, and solid communication abilities.

Hybrid telework is available with routine office and remote days. A valid driver's license is required, and the position is designed for growth within the DEQ's environmental stewardship mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental or related sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal Air Quality rules and regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Hybrid/remote work option available.

Responsibilities

• Performs on-site inspections and compliance visits at industrial facilities to determine compliance with state and federal rules, permits, and emission limits.
• Evaluates facility emissions inventory reports and conducts stack test observations; maintains EPA Method 9 certification for opacity evaluations.
• Responds to citizen complaints regarding open burning, dust, odors, and other air quality concerns to ensure compliance.
• Writes technical reports, correspondence, enforcement reports, and serves as advisor to air quality staff, industry representatives, and agencies on air quality issues.
• A valid Driver’s License is required.

Skills

Air quality rules

Computer skills

Customer relations

Independent judgment

Decision making

Policy adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental or related sciences

Tools

EPA Method 9 certification

Job description

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Air Quality

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist I (NS)

Position Number

60035884

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.
• A valid Driver’s License is required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: Minimum - $47,703 - $49,134

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

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

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.