Environmental Program Consultant (Flexible/Hybrid)

State of North Carolina • Full-time • Remote (North Carolina, United States) • 1w ago

Salary: $61,545.00 - $107,703.00 Annually
Location : Buncombe County, NC
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25-02968 DWR60035395
Department: Dept of Environmental Quality
Division: Water Resources
Opening Date: 02/28/2025
Closing Date: 3/14/2025 5:00 PM Eastern
Job Class Title: Environmental Program Consultant
Position Number: 60035395
Section: Water Quality Regional Operations
Salary Grade: NC18
Recruitment Range: $61,545 - $76,147

Description of Work
Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?

DEQ has an open opportunity for an Environmental Program Consultant
It is full-time (40 hours per week) with State Benefits
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.
The primary purpose of the Environmental Program Consultant is to serve as a senior level technical expert working in the 401 Water Quality Certification and buffer authorization program, while supporting other programs in the region including the NPDES, non-discharge, and animal feeding operations as needed.
Key Responsibilities:

Review and process Water Quality Certification applications, including assisting with stormwater management plan when required by a 401 review.
Assist regional office supervisor in training staff new to the 401 Water Quality Certification program.
Inspect sites covered under 401 Water Quality Certifications and all appropriate guidance and technical assistance.
Communicate regulatory guidance, technical assistance, and water quality education to permittees, applicants and general public.
Provide development and review of statewide programmatic policy, guidance, rule review and interpretation of program impact from other agency (e.g., USACE) program changes.
Visit complaint sites; interview involved parties; collect appropriate samples, photographs and location information; coordinate with other state, federal, and local agencies; and determine if laws or rules were violated.
Conduct special studies, investigations, and other projects as deemed necessary by the Environmental Program Supervisor to achieve the project goals of the WQROS.

The Division of Water Resources:
The Division of Water Resources is responsible for protecting North Carolina's drinking, surface and groundwater 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; Groundwater Resources, and Water Planning. Learn more by visiting Division of Water Resources.
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.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality:
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. Please visit our website at the Department of Environmental Quality for more information.
If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit to learn more.

Recruitment Range: $61,545 - $76,147This position is located at: 2090 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa NC 28778
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. We will not review résumés in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application. Click these links for additional information: Introduction to the Job Application and Addressing Knowledge, Skills and Abilities(Note: These links refer to Dept. of Public Safety process; this process is the same for Dept. of Environmental Quality.)
To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:

Demonstrated knowledge with regulations, laws, policies and/or guidelines governing environmental programs and/or water programs.
Demonstrated experience interpreting, and/or evaluating data, reports, or proposals pertaining to environmental programs and/or water programs.
Demonstrated experience communicating technical information and/or recommendations in oral and/or written form.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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 oshr.nc.gov/experience-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.
Supplemental and Contact Information
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.

DEQ uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to their applications.
If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an official transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
If applicants earned a foreign degree, foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency, and must be submitted to Human Resources for verification. There are several organizations that perform this specialized service, feel free to use any service of your choosing. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has several options on their website that can provide credential verification:

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account and click "Application Status." If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by management. If you are no longer under consideration, you will receive an email notification. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contactTamara Cherry at 919-707-9202 and/or

For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help Line at 855-524-5627.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For permanent and time-limited appointments:Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.

01

To qualify for this position, applicants must possess the required "Minimum Education and Experience" AND all "Knowledge, Skills and Abilities" listed on the job posting. I understand that my application MUST include a complete work history in the "Work Experience" section, all education (including major(s) and start/end dates) in the "Education" section, and credentials (if any) in the "Certificates and Licenses" section. I understand that a résumé is NOT a substitute for completing the sections listed above.

Yes, I understand

02

The recruiting range for this position is limited to $61,545 - $76,147. I am aware that if offered this position, the maximum salary offer will be limited to $76,147.

03

How did you hear of this opportunity?