WCC Environmental Specialist

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Environmental Specialist I (NS) Position Number 60035523 Grade NC12 About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The WCC Environmental Specialist performs technical environmental inspections, evaluations, and field assignments that support permitting, well‑program compliance, and regulatory oversight in assigned Piedmont and eastern North Carolina counties. Work includes reviewing and analyzing environmental systems, investigating well‑related complaints, and ensuring adherence to well‑contractor laws and rules. The role conducts field observations, assesses violations, and provides regional support for certification, enforcement, and disciplinary activities. It prepares clear written reports, responds promptly to public inquiries, and coordinates program tasks across multiple counties. The position operates from a home-based duty station with independent responsibility for regional environmental activities. Key Duties Include: - Conduct inspections of environmental facilities or systems for permitting and compliance determinations. - Investigate reports of violations of Article 7A related to well‑contractor certification laws and recommend penalties or assessments. - Promptly respond to public queries and complaints to address well‑related questions or coordinate appropriate referrals. - Perform field observations of Level A well‑contractor applicants and participate in recertification activities when required. - Support the Well Contractor Certification Commission disciplinary committee through case review and documentation. - Assist with administration and proctoring of well‑contractor certification examinations. - Evaluate environmental data, facility records, and system performance to identify issues, risks, or noncompliance. - Adapt field procedures and testing techniques to meet project or program objectives in regional environmental work. - Prepare accurate written reports documenting findings, data analyses, and compliance evaluations. - Manage regional environmental responsibilities across multiple counties from a home‑based work location in piedmont/eastern NC Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $47,703.00 - $83,479.00 Recruitment Range: $47,703.00 - $60,735.00 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: Demonstrated experience performing tests, procedures, and experiments using moderately complex environmental equipment, with an intermediate level of proficiency in modifying testing techniques to meet project objectives. Proven skill in conducting statistical analysis and interpreting environmental results to support data‑driven program decisions and reporting. Documented proficiency in coordinating moderately complex environmental programs, including resource management, activity monitoring, and quality control tasks. Strong competency in analyzing, manipulating, and evaluating environmental data using software tools to support research, assessments, and program operations. Established record of organizing and directing environmental research or field studies, applying ecological principles, scientific methods, and multidisciplinary techniques to achieve study objectives. The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date This Position Is A Hybrid Work Option Physical Requirements: Walk long distances through rough terrain during all types of weather and may be exposed to insects, snakes, chemicals, fumes, and machinery Perform light to strenuous physical activity and lift up to 50 pounds About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH): The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state. About the On-Site Water Protection Branch (OSWP): The On-Site Water Protection Branch oversees on-site wastewater systems and private drinking water wells. It also offers statewide regulatory and technical guidance to local health departments, builders, developers, landowners, system installers, well contractors, and various environmental and engineering professionals. Compensation and Benefits: The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits . Supplemental Contact Information: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ . DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303 , our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. 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. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members . Degree/College Credit Verification Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. Veterans’ and National Guard Preference Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. ADA Accommodations Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. CONTACT INFORMATION If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 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 T he 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: Giovanni Montclair Hollins Email: talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov