Environmental Chemist

Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Air Quality Job Classification Title Environmental Chemist (NS) Position Number 60035737 Grade NC14 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 an entry level environmental chemist position located in the Raleigh Central Office (RCO) Green Square Building and 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 Assurance Project Plan and Standard Operating Procedure to ensure a minimum of 75 percent completeness each calendar quarter and 90 percent data accuracy, reviews the sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxides 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, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides 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, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides 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. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Recruitment Range: $50,633.00-$56,219.00 Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above. 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. 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. 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. 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: Zakeeyah Aarika Rahim Recruiter Email: hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov North Carolina State Government is one of the states largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today! State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.