Recycling Business Development Specialist

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 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.

• 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…