Geologist​/Hydrogeologist

About Us

Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Water Resources Job Classification Title Geologist/Hydrogeologist (NS) Position Number  Grade NC18. 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.

This Geologist/Hydrogeologist position is responsible for evaluation permit applications for the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program and treated waste disposal relative to the assessment of human health and environmental hazards. This position requires frequent coordination with the regulated community, permit tees, other stakeholders, and the public s position is a lead technical position often called upon to be the senior technical voice for the regional office on all program topics.

NC Board Licensure is not required but is considered an asset.

Field work requires the ability to perform tasks required for physical inspections; walking through rough, steep, and uneven terrain; and tolerating exposure to noise, extreme weather conditions, dust, fumes, machinery, insects, small animals, snakes, chemical substances, etc. State-owned vehicles are used, so Hydrogeologists must have a valid driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Some environmental emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or weekends, on a limited basis.

Back in the office, Hydrogeologists complete the required data entry and preparation and/or review of documents related to field inspections, permits and/or certifications, complaint investigations, compliance and enforcement actions, and keep their knowledge of rules and regulations current.

This requires proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets.

• Coordinate groundwater compliance for wastewater disposal activities, permitted or regulated by the Division.
• Conduct site and data compliance assessments regarding facility performance, operation, and maintenance.
• Sampling of groundwater and soil to project or monitor any potential threat of health hazard due to the migration of contaminants.
• Perform reviews related to permit applications associated with existing or proposed Underground Injection Control (UIC), geothermal injection, wastewater surface application, or other waste management systems.
• Evaluation of geothermal well systems, land application systems, and investigation of hydrogeological site characteristics.
• Collection of ground water samples, soil and bedrock properties, and the direction velocity of groundwater movement.

Recruitment Range: $ 63,927.00 - $ 85,250.00

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.

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for protecting North Carolina’s drinking, surface, and ground water for all waterbodies including lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and aquifers. This environmental stewardship is accomplished through actions including permitting issuance, investigations, regulatory compliance, and enforcement, monitoring and field assessments, certifications, laboratory analysis and testing, planning, water quality standards management, educational outreach and other efforts.

The Division comprises six sections:
Water Quality Regional Operations, Water Sciences, Public Water Supply, Water Quality Permitting, Water Quality NPDES Permitting, and Water Planning. The Water Quality Regional Operations Section focuses on service to the regional surface water and groundwater concerns of citizens, local governments and business communities. Regional office staff issue permits for sewer extensions, wetland and stream impacts, and well construction. Regional offices personnel also conduct permitted facility inspections and incident investigations.

If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to learn more. This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with…