Environmental Specialist II

Title: Environmental Specialist II

Location: Wake County United States

Job Description:

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Waste Management

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist II (NS)

Position Number

65005880

Grade

NC14

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 primarily manages the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Express Permit program for installation and replacement applications. It also supports the UST Engineers Group by processing and reviewing pre‑installation and post‑installation piping‑only and emergency piping applications, as well as alternative fuel/hazardous substance compatibility submissions. Additional responsibilities include tracking installation review activities and coordinating permit‑hold communications.

This position also oversees the UST Operator Training Program, including online Tank School administration, class delivery, system maintenance, and related enforcement activities. Further duties include assisting with rule review and rulemaking, developing policies and guidance, conducting technical research, and providing administrative and programmatic support to the Permits and Inspections Branch Head and other PIB programs. The role may also involve offering guidance and direction to staff as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the UST Express Permit program for UST installation and replacement applications submitted by members of the public seeking expedited review.
• Conduct cursory reviews and database entry for tank system installation applications; track and manage installation projects and permit holds; communicate with stakeholders; supervise the work of other staff members; and review and approve emergency piping, piping‑only, and compatibility installation applications.
• Oversee all aspects of the UST Operator Training Program, including classroom and online training, course development, system updates, stakeholder coordination, and compliance tracking, while also providing technical support, responding to information requests, reviewing non‑compliance for enforcement, and delivering educational presentations.
• Assist with rulemaking by coordinating public hearings, preparing rule making commission materials and rule text, engaging stakeholders, developing fiscal notes, and responding to comments, while also updating guidance, procedures, forms, and web content and conducting technical research to support policy and rule development.
• Provide administrative and programmatic support to the UST Permits and Inspections Branch Head, including scheduling and coordinating meetings, attending and documenting meetings as needed, and performing other assigned support duties.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $66,310

The Division of Waste Management is responsible for protecting the public health and environment through assuring that solid and hazardous waste and underground storage tanks are managed properly, and existing contamination is cleaned up across the State of North Carolina. This is accomplished through the Hazardous Waste, Solid Waste, Superfund and Underground Storage Tank Sections, and the Brownfields Redevelopment Section. Click here to learn more about the Division of Waste Management | NC DEQ.

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 in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two 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.