Environmental Chemist
As of June 1, 2023, the new salary range will be $49,158 - $86,026
Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a difference?
DEQ has an open opportunity for an Environmental Chemist.
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.
This position is an entry level environmental chemist position will work in the areas of air quality monitoring data validation and technical support. This position requires strong computer skills, excellent interpersonal skills, independent judgment, decision-making ability, and adaptability to policy and regulatory changes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyzes collected ambient monitoring data according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Division of Air Quality, Quality Assurance Project Plan and Standard Operating Procedure requirements to ensure a minimum of 75 percent completeness each calendar quarter and 90 percent data accuracy, reviews the sulfur dioxide and meteorological data before submission to the United States Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality System, and reports the data and results of the monitoring activities to management according to due dates.
- Communicates with the ambient monitoring staff in the regional offices, local and tribal programs and the Electronics and Calibration Branch electronics technicians regarding any inconsistencies with data or equipment or other monitoring issues that may arise during quarterly data validation.
- Updates all sulfur dioxide and meteorological applicable standard operating procedures and associated electronic logbooks, develops any additional standard operating procedures that may be required, and drafts, reviews and updates quality assurance project plans as needed.
- Provides technical support to the ambient monitoring staff regarding data quality, quality assurance, monitoring methods, standard operating procedure questions, and audits as well as troubleshooting and resolving all data issues involving sulfur dioxide and meteorological samples to ensure air monitors are operating within specifications according to standard operating procedures and United States Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
- Conducts internal technical systems audits following the schedules specified in the quality assurance project plans on various Division of Air Quality monitoring programs and prepares reports of the results.
- Writes technical reports, general correspondence, and other technical documents, and serves as an advisor to air quality staff, industry representatives, state and federal agencies, and the general public on issues related to air quality and ambient air quality monitoring. Requires effective communication, both verbally and in written form, of technical information.
- A valid NC Real ID Driver’s License is required. You must be able to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain for employment.
The Division of Air Quality:
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 regarding air quality issues. Click here to learn more about the Division of Air Quality.
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 an 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 www.studentaid.gov to learn more.
Recruitment Range: $47,959 - $56,860
This position is located at: 217 W Jones Street, Raleigh, NC
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 resumes 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 the following:
- Documented work experience analyzing, manipulating, and/or evaluating information produced from research or data collection.
- Documented work experience reviewing large amounts of data.
Management Preferences (not required to qualify for this position):
- Documented experience with calculating pollutant concentrations in ambient air.
- Applicant with strong written and oral communication skills and excellent computer skills
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in the practical application of theoretical chemistry including one year in environmental work; 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: https://www.naces.org/members
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 contact Wendy Minich at wendy.minich@ncdenr.gov.
For technical issues with your application, please call the GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support Help Line at 855-524-5627.