Recycling Business Development Specialist

Department of Environmental Quality; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a Recycling Business Development Specialist to help build statewide recycling infrastructure and markets as part of the Recycling and Materials Management Section. You will support recycling business growth by applying solid waste reduction and circular economy principles.

Join a dynamic RMMS team and collaborate on grants, technical analyses, reports, newsletters, and stakeholder engagement to expand NC’s material recovery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two (2) years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct assistance to North Carolina-based recycling companies and to recycling companies interested in locating in North Carolina in support of DEQ's strategic efforts to reduce waste and foster economic growth statewide.
• Serve as a technical resource on recycled material supply, operational and equipment options, and potential financing and business assistance services, including recycling grants and incentives used in the recruitment and retention of businesses.
• Assist existing manufacturing companies to expand the use of secondary (recycled) materials in the production of new products.
• Review grant funding applications and participate in grant award decision-making, establish grant contracts, and oversee the implementation of assigned grant projects. This work may include developing grant-related correspondence and maintaining effective relationships with grantees and potential funding partners.
• Conduct studies and research to guide technical assistance, training, and materials development to help recycling markets expand and improve their recycling operational capacity.
• Compile and analyze business, economic, community, and recycling market information and communicate findings through presentations, reports, professional correspondence, website content, promotional materials, and one-on-one assistance.
• Conduct site visits, arrange and facilitate training events, and create and distribute information on recycling business best management practices and business expansion opportunities.

Skills

Recycling knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

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 in the Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service's Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC) provides technical assistance, conducts research, and pursues other activities to build statewide recycling infrastructure, recycling market and business development, and recycling business recruitment to support the state's circular economy. Clients may include large-scale manufacturers, recycling and material processors, waste, compost, and recycling haulers, international, regional, and small-scale entrepreneurs, and other waste generators. Drawing on knowledge of solid waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles, the Recycling Business Development Specialist will be part of a dynamic team of recycling and materials management specialists that work to grow NC’s material recovery infrastructure and provide needed recycled content feedstock for manufacturing throughout the state and beyond. In conjunction with the RBAC team, the position will provide support and grow NC recycling businesses in the state through grant programs, technical analysis, reports and newsletters, and other stakeholder engagement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct assistance to North Carolina-based recycling companies and to recycling companies interested in locating in North Carolina in support of DEQ's strategic efforts to reduce waste and foster economic growth statewide.
• Serve as a technical resource on recycled material supply, operational and equipment options, and potential financing and business assistance services, including recycling grants and incentives used in the recruitment and retention of businesses.
• Assist existing manufacturing companies to expand the use of secondary (recycled) materials in the production of new products.
• Review grant funding applications and participate in grant award decision-making, establish grant contracts, and oversee the implementation of assigned grant projects. This work may include developing grant-related correspondence and maintaining effective relationships with grantees and potential funding partners.
• Conduct studies and research to guide technical assistance, training, and materials development to help recycling markets expand and improve their recycling operational capacity.
• Compile and analyze business, economic, community, and recycling market information and communicate findings through presentations, reports, professional correspondence, website content, promotional materials, and one-on-one assistance.
• Conduct site visits, arrange and facilitate training events, and create and distribute information on recycling business best management practices and business expansion opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with a diverse staff and external partners to carry out activities supporting the Section's strategic priorities.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $47,703.00 - $53,285.00

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above. Job posting details will no longer be available after the position closes. * This is a REPOST of position 60035084. Previous applicants MUST REAPPLY to be considered. * Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service The mission of the Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS) is to protect and improve North Carolina’s environment and economy through customer-focused assistance, greater understanding of environmental permitting and compliance, wider adoption of sustainable practices, increased recycling and reduced waste disposal, and reduced impacts from resource consumption. DEACS is the lead state agency on pollution prevention strategies and waste reduction. Our mission is to provide quality customer service and technical assistance that is both solution and education oriented. Within the Division, the Recycling and Materials Management Section (RMMS) is a team of technical professionals that focus on waste reduction and recycling for industries, businesses, local governments, institutions, and state agencies in North Carolina. The Section works to implement state policies and legislation to recover a wide range of discarded materials and conducts evaluations of the success and benefits of waste reduction efforts in North Carolina. Through three branches/work teams, RMMS plans and conducts programs to reduce waste and increase the recovery of discarded materials. The Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC) promotes and develops markets for recyclable materials through economic and market development services for the recycling industry. RMMS’ Community Recycling Team is responsible for supporting the improvement of local government recycling programs. The Organics Recycling Team provides technical assistance focused on organics recycling and food waste recovery due to the significant need for recovery of that material from the NC disposed waste stream. Together, these RMMS programs help facilitate the transition to a more sustainable, circular economy in North Carolina. 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. 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 from an appropriately accredited institution and two (2) years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training 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. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.