Environmental Specialist II

Overview

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, with 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.

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services

Division Public Health

Job Classification Title Environmental Specialist II (NS)

Position Number

Grade NC14

This Environmental Specialist II position serves as a Regional Soil Scientist within the Division of Public Health, providing technical oversight and regulatory support to local health departments across the southeastern region of North Carolina. The primary function is to ensure consistent and scientifically sound implementation of state laws and rules governing on-site wastewater treatment and dispersal systems. The role involves training, authorizing, and advising Environmental Health Specialists, conducting site evaluations, and reviewing complex wastewater system proposals.

Work is performed independently and requires expert knowledge in soil science, environmental health regulations, and decentralized wastewater technologies. The position also contributes to policy development, legal proceedings, and statewide program improvements.

• Train and assess Environmental Health Specialist interns through classroom instruction, field exercises, and written examinations to determine readiness for delegation of authority.
• Authorize local Environmental Health Specialists to enforce state laws and rules governing on-site wastewater systems in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Provide technical assistance and second opinions to local health departments on complex site evaluations, permitting challenges, and malfunctioning wastewater systems.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate soil and site conditions, recommend system modifications, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules.
• Review and verify private consultants’ soil and site evaluations and participate in consultative meetings with engineers, soil scientists, and local officials.
• Inspect manufactured wastewater system components to ensure compliance with approved design specifications and quality standards.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and technical training for environmental health professionals at regional and state levels.
• Serve as an expert witness in administrative appeals and legal proceedings involving violations or disputes related to wastewater system regulations.
• Participate in structured evaluations of local programs to assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and recommend corrective actions.
• Contribute to the development and revision of internal procedures, policies, and public health rules by serving on task forces and rule-making committees.

Minimum Education And Experience 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 and two years of experience related to the area of assignment. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge,

Skills And Abilities

/ Management Preferences Salary Range: $50,633.00 - $88,607.00;
Recruitment Range: $49,158.00 - $69,628.00

Notes Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications listed on the vacancy announcement. Management preferences are not required but include: detailed soil/site evaluation experience, regulatory interpretation and technical consultation, reviewing engineered wastewater proposals, delivering structured training, and investigations of malfunctioning systems.

Posting and Remote Work The posting will close at 11:59 P.M. the night before the end date. This position is eligible to be fully remote; remote work is to be performed in the Southeastern portion of the state.

Physical Requirements Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires close visual acuity to perform activities such as data analysis, reading, and inspection. Ability to walk long distances through rough terrain in all weather and may be exposed to insects, snakes, chemicals, fumes, and machinery.

EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing a work environment free from 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.

Contact Information Talent Acquisition at…