Environmental Program Consultant

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Office of Continuous Improvement

Job Classification Title

Environmental Program Consultant (NS)

Position Number

65040385

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 position is Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA) with the exception of Articles 6 and 7. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with applicable State Benefits.*

This position reviews funding applications, engineering reports for a wide array of project types, engineering drawings and specifications, alternative analyses, asset inventory and assessments, and management of funded projects. This position will participate in training and outreach activities to promote the funding programs and long-term solutions for local government wastewater/stormwater infrastructure. This position manages construction for funded projects and serves as a liaison for the program to municipalities, consulting engineers, the public, interest groups, organizations, and the Division.

Other Key Responsibilities:

Review change orders for eligibility.

Perform regular inspection monitoring, checklists and reports to ensure projects are constructed per plans and specifications.

Prepares approval letters and comment letters for engineering reports, plans and specifications.

Establish and maintain proficiency with the rules, regulations and standards of practice.

Completes reviews of study grant scopes of work; provides timely review of study grant reports and deliverables for compliance with Federal and State laws, rules, and policies, and good engineering practices.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range:  $63,927 - $98,741

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above. 

The Office of Continuous Improvement:

The Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) enhances the performance of the DEQ by fostering compliance and efficiency across diverse projects. OCI leverages business processes, data analysis, compliance, and engineering expertise to drive improvement. 

Embedded within DEQ divisions, OCI works to develop and strengthen processes and workflows that support DEQ's mandate to deliver federal funding effectively and equitably for infrastructure, energy, and resilience projects. OCI is charged with helping DEQ teams solve challenges, provides data strategy, technical support, and policy expertise.

The Division of Water Infrastructure:

The Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI) administers water, wastewater, and stormwater funding programs in the Department of Environmental Quality according to Federal and State laws, including the Water Infrastructure Fund as described in NCGS 159G and the Community Development Block Grants for water and wastewater infrastructure.  Water Infrastructure Fund programs include the federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the federal Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the state Viable Utility Reserve, the state Wastewater Reserve, and the state Drinking Water Reserve. DWI supports the State Water Infrastructure Authority which awards federal and state funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. DWI assists eligible applicants in meeting drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater needs to protect public health and the state’s water resources. Click here to learn more about the Division of Water Infrastructure.

The Wastewater/Stormwater Engineering Unit:

The Wastewater/Stormwater Engineering Unit oversees wastewater and stormwater projects funded by the Division (except for CDBG-I).  Projects may include the full range of water infrastructure construction and planning projects, including distribution or collection systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and stormwater collection systems and/or control measures, that require a variety of technical disciplines to review.  The Unit also supports other units within DWI and may assist with planning and study projects such as Asset Inventory and Assessment (AIA) studies and Merger Regionalization Feasibility (MRF) studies.  The Unit oversees funded projects from application through design and construction, including disbursement of funds.  Staff may review and prioritize applications for funding; review and approve project planning, development, and design documents; review and approve change orders, and inspect construction.

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.

A valid driver's license is required.

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:

Jean Buchanan

Recruiter Email:

[email protected]