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Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Air Quality Job Classification Title Environmental Specialist I (NS) Position Number 60035697 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 This Environmental Specialist I position works both in the field and laboratory. The primary purpose of this position is to perform advanced functions necessary for the operation and maintenance of various statewide ambient air monitoring networks. The position will require the ability to install, operate, and maintain rainwater collection samplers, meteorological instruments, toxic air pollutant samplers, and other organic compound samplers. The position will also be responsible for operation and management of air monitoring sites as part of the implementation of the Urban Air Toxics program, section 112(k) of the Federal Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 and air toxics priority pollutant characterization monitoring activities. The position holder is responsible for assisting in the training of the other monitoring staff, and in assisting them in troubleshooting problems throughout the monitoring networks. The laboratory functions will entail working with and preparing various sampling media, instruments, and equipment to conduct the ambient air monitoring tasks assigned and carried out by the LAB to support routine and unique ambient air quality studies. The position will also be expected to participate in field studies and operations. The Specialist must write technical reports and present finding in a concise and understandable manner. The Specialist will also be expected to communicate with a wide variety of audiences from the public to governmental agency staff. Key Responsibilities: • This position will be primarily responsible for overseeing the operation of the Urban Air Toxics sites that are maintained and operated by the LAB which includes the installation and maintenance of instruments and equipment, preparation and collection of sampling media, repair and replacement of equipment, and data collection and management for this network. The position is the main contact for training, supplies, troubleshooting, sample containers and replacement equipment for sites not directly operated by the LAB. • This position must also learn and maintain proficiency in the operation and maintenance of all other monitoring equipment operated in the network sites that are operated by the LAB and act as back up operator for other UAT sites when required. This equipment includes rainwater collection samplers and rain gauges. • The Specialist must maintain careful records of findings, adjustments, and determinations about the instrumentation and equipment for which they have responsibility. Such documentation has the potential for review by the public, EPA, state auditors, and attorneys. The Specialist will review and assist in the development of quality assurance procedures and manuals for these parameter pollutants and provide training and assistance to other monitoring staff both in the office and in the field. • Understanding and operating a very broad range of instrumentation and train others in the use of these instruments and equipment to include canister VOC samplers, aldehyde samplers, rainwater collectors, rain gauges, meteorological instruments, and other field instruments and equipment that are deployed at sites or for special purposes. • Calibrating instruments, ensuring adequate calibration and operation gases, site and equipment audits, preventative maintenance of equipment, changing monitoring media, electronic data retrieval and programming sampling events. • Managing the operations of the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) sites and providing backup to the field operators from the regional offices as needed. The Specialist works directly with the national coordinators, the national laboratory that performs the sample analyses, manages, maintains and repairs the equipment and keeps logs at the sites, and ensures that when the audits are performed by the MDN, the sites pass. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Recruitment Range: $45,926 - $46,597 Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date Above. The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) works with the state's citizens to protect and improve outdoor, or ambient, air quality in North Carolina for the health, benefit and economic well-being of all. To carry out this mission, the DAQ operates a statewide air quality monitoring network to measure the level of pollutants in the outdoor air, develops and implements plans to meet future air quality initiatives, assures compliance with air quality rules, and educates, informs and assists the public about air quality issues. Click here to learn more about the Division of Air Quality. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit https://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. 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; 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. Recruiter: Debra Godwin Recruiter Email: hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today! State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.