Environmental Specialist I

Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Energy, Mineral , Land Resources Job Classification Title Environmental Specialist I (NS) Position Number  Grade NC12

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 The Environmental Specialist I position (ESI) performs compliance activities related to stormwater facilities, dams, development sites for erosion & sedimentation, and/or mining operations. This includes inspection, preliminary application review and/or enforcement activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, approvals, and permits. Other purposes of this position include but are not limited to initiating documentation for enforcement actions, writing reports/memos to clients//consultants, researching property status and serving as an expert in the program as needed by the department.

The person in this position will also provide technical assistance to regulated parties and the public and keep the program databases and project management tools up to date. This position requires the ability to walk through rough and uneven terrain and work in inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, machinery and inspections. Position does require travel to and from various project sites and dams.

Job duties will include emergency response at the Emergency Operations Center.

• Perform preliminary reviews of applications submitted for the four regulated programs within the Division.
• Perform inspections of sites/facilities regulated under the Divisions four programs.
• Advises and provides technical assistance, guidance and written technical / compliance including enforcement documentation to staff and clients.
• Meet applicants and their consultants to facilitate project development, design, construction, and ultimately permit approval and site compliance.
• A valid driver's license is required.

The Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources:
The Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR) is comprised of two Sections:
Land Quality and Geological Survey. For more information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). The Land Quality Section is responsible for the administration of four regulatory programs:
Dam Safety Program authorized by the Dam Safety of 1967, Mining Program as authorized by the Mining Act of 1971, Sediment Program as authorized by the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 and Stormwater Program as authorized by state statutes and the federal Clean Water Act. DEMLR collects permit fees and issues permits for mines, dams, sedimentation control for construction sites, and stormwater permits for various activities and refers enforcement cases to the Attorney General's Office.

DEMLR is responsible for scheduling, organizing and transcribing minutes of the North Carolina Mining Commission and the Sedimentation Control Commission as well as reporting to the Environmental Management Commission regarding dam safety and stormwater matters. The N.C. Geological Survey (NCGS) Section’s mission…