Environmental Specialist I (Temporary - Wake County)

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of State Human Resources in North Carolina seeks an Environmental Specialist I (S) for the Temporary Solutions division. This temporary role involves fieldwork and data collection across NC with travel up to 50% and occasional overnight stays.

Located at 4040 District Drive, Raleigh, the position emphasizes GIS tasks, wetlands assessments, and coordination with landowners and public managers under EPA QA plans. Pay is $29.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Knowledge in environmental science, wetlands, soils, GIS, or hydrology.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Travel up to 50% of workdays, including overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Perform NOAA C-CAP accuracy assessments in western NC.
• Assist desktop and field site reconnaissance.
• Coordinate access with landowners and land managers.
• Manage project database and analyze data per QA/QC plan.

Skills

Environmental science

Outdoor work

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS

Field equipment

Job description

Agency

Office of State Human Resources

Division

Temporary Solutions

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist I (S)

Grade

NC12

About Us

To provide a solid Human Resource management foundation, responsible oversight, and creative solutions through a collaborative approach with all stakeholders to maximize the potential of our greatest asset – OUR EMPLOYEES.

Description of Work

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

This is a temporary position and there are no leave or retirement benefits offered with this position. Temporary employees who work an annual average of 30 or more hours per week may be eligible for health insurance coverage under the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For more information on Health Benefits offered visit www.shpnc.org.

Visit

Visit www.nctemporarysolutions.com for employment information.

Note: Permanent and time-limited NC State Government employees must separate from their permanent or time-limited position in order to work in a temporary position. All temporary employees are limited to one NC State Government temporary assignment at a time.

Individuals hired into a temporary State job must be fully qualified for the job. OSHR supports the Governor's Job Ready initiative and seeks to expand a temporary skill set to enhance their qualifications for State government and private sector jobs. Exposure to an agency's culture, process, procedures, and potential learning opportunities can provide valuable experience to those who may seek permanent employment with the state.

This temporary position is located at 4040 District Drive, Raleigh - Wake County, with the Department of Environmental Quality.

Job Order Hourly Rate of Pay: $29.00 (Based on education and/or years of relevant work experience reflected on the application).

Effective July 1, 2025, candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed from the class specification. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed within this vacancy announcement will be used only as management preferences and will be used to screen for the most qualified pool of applicants.

Field work for data collection performed by the Environmental Specialist I will include extensive travel (including overnight stays) throughout the NC mountains, use of GPS and field laptop, wetland type determination and recording of observations for wetland assessment.

Work will be physically demanding, including work in varying weather and difficult terrain with exposure to environmental conditions (including extreme heat and cold) and potentially hazardous vegetation and wildlife.

DWR will provide waders and other safety and field gear. The ESI must follow safety guidelines and sampling requirements. If time and interest allow, the ESI may assist with other DWR needs. The ESI should be prepared to travel over 50% of workdays and be willing/able to work in a small team and independently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform work duties required by multiple federal monitoring and competitive wetland grants, primarily conducting an accuracy assessment of NOAA C-CAP high-resolution mapping in western NC.
• Assist with desktop and field site reconnaissance.
• Coordinating access with private landowners and public land managers.
• Managing the project database, and analyzing data according to the EPA-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan.

Management prefers:

• Experience in GIS using ArcGIS products, GPS, and/or spatial analysis;
• Experience in soils, environmental field work, and/or water sampling;
• Organized self-starter who enjoys working in a team.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge and/or coursework in one or more of: environmental science, wetlands, soils, statistics, data management or analysis, biology, hydrology, ecology, GIS, water quality, and/or aquatic chemistry.
• Ability to work outdoors and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Valid driver's license.

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.