Environmental Program Consultant

Title: Environmental Program Consultant

Location: Raleigh, NC United States

Wake County, NC

time type

Full time

Hybrid

job requisition id

JR-119895

Job Description:

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Water Resources

Job Classification Title

Environmental Program Consultant (NS)

Position Number

65034427

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.

Description of Work

This Environmental Program Consultant is the lead person for coordination and implementation of the riparian buffer and 401 water quality certification programs in the Raleigh Regional Office.

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; valid driver's license is required. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Some environmental emergencies may require a response to occur after hours and/or weekends, on a limited basis.

Office work to complete required data entry, prepare and/or review documents, keep knowledge of rules and regulations current, etc. requires proficiency with computers, internet research, word processing software and spreadsheets.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Perform riparian buffer/stream authorization certifications, determinations, and inspections
• • Coordinate and implement 401 water quality/riparian buffer certification permits
• • Review project permit applications, evaluate facility and site conditions, and guide applicants through the permit application process
• • Evaluate completed projects for conformity to approved policies and requirements
• • Coordinate activities with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and work with the Central Office DWR staff on the development of guidance for statewide programs
• • Review work performed by other members of the Riparian Buffer and 401 Certification Program and train new staff
• • Support and provide periodic emergency response outside of normal office hours, as needed

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $63,927.00 - $72,141.00

Supplemental Information

The Division of Water Resources:

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 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.

Master''s degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience related to the area of assignment; 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.