Hydrogeologist

State of North Carolina - Department of Environmental Quality; North Carolina; On-site; USD 64,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework option

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality invites applications for a Geologist/Hydrogeologist (NS) in the Division of Waste Management. This project-management oriented role focuses on the REC program, reviewing risk-based remedies and guiding environmental consultants.

The position offers opportunities to collaborate with municipalities and environmental firms across the state, with a hybrid telework option and competitive state benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, geosciences, physical science or related field, or engineering with geology coursework.
• Licensure as Professional Geologist by NC Board may be required.
• Education/experience equivalency available per guide.

Responsibilities

• Understand and ensure compliance with the REC rules.
• Understand the nature and behavior of hazardous substances in the environment.
• Review and evaluate work plans, environmental assessment reports and remedial action plans.
• Evaluate the risk of contaminant migration to groundwater, surface water, air and/or via direct human contact using hydrogeologic decision-making skills and electronic tools.
• Communicate in oral and written form with other Division program representatives, environmental consulting firms, the public, interest groups and organizations.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in geology or related field

Job description

Geologist/Hydrogeologist (NS)

Position Number: 65025383. Grade: NC18.

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.

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina.

We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast.

Description of Work

This Geologist/Hydrogeologist position in the Division of Waste Management (Division) serves as a project manager/hydrogeologist within the Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch’s Registered Environmental Consultant (REC) Program.

The privatized REC program allows remediating parties to hire a Division-approved environmental consulting firms to direct and oversee the assessment and remediation of lower-risk uncontrolled and unregulated hazardous waste sites.

This position will review and approve proposed risk-based remedies involving land-use restrictions;

provide training, guidance, and technical services to RECs;

perform audits of RECs to ensure compliance with the rules;

initiate enforcement actions in cases of non-compliance;

and evaluate environmental consultant qualifications for approval as a REC.

This position will serve as a liaison for the program to municipalities, environmental consulting firms, the public, interest groups, organizations, and the Division.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand and ensure compliance with the REC rules.
• Understand the nature and behavior of hazardous substances in the environment.
• Review and evaluate work plans, environmental assessment reports and remedial action plans.
• Evaluate the risk of contaminant migration to groundwater, surface water, air and/or via direct human contact using hydrogeologic decision-making skills and electronic tools.
• Communicate in oral and written form with other Division program representatives, environmental consulting firms, the public, interest groups and organizations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $63,927 - $70,612

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

The Division of Waste Management is responsible for protecting the public health and environment through assuring that solid and hazardous waste and underground storage tanks are managed properly, and existing contamination is cleaned up across the State of North Carolina.

This is accomplished through the Hazardous Waste, Solid Waste, Superfund and Underground Storage Tank Sections, and the Brownfields Redevelopment Section.

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

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 geology, geosciences, physical science or a related field, or engineering with 30 credit hours of geological science course work from an accredited college or university.

Some positions may require licensure as a Professional Geologist by the North Carolina Board for the Licensing of Geologists; 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.

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience

The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees.

Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree.

Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide.

All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.