Environmental Program Consultant

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Water Resources

Job Classification Title

Environmental Program Consultant (NS)

Position Number

65044622

Grade

NC18

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 Environmental Program Consultant serves as the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Administrator, acting as Team Lead within the Division of Water Resources (DWR) for analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, and continued support of the Clinisys analytical data management system. The LIMS Administrator will be a key subject matter expert on environmental data management for DEQ, and will manage the system tracking samples, laboratory workflows, instruments, and associated data for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other analytes. The work requires close collaboration with laboratory personnel, field sampling staff, management in other Sections and Divisions, Application Development Team members, and DEQ Information Technology Services Teams.

The position requires familiarity with LIMS and their functionality, programming knowledge at a level required to support the software systems, and understanding of basic laboratory concepts and methodologies to fully leverage the management system software. Occasional travel may be required; valid Driver’s License required for driving state vehicles.

Key Responsibilities:

~ Project lead for implementation of Clinisys LIMS system: work with multiple staff across specialty areas to develop project plan, manage milestones, and administer project efficiently
- accountable for keeping project on track: anticipate project problems and lead collaboration to avoid or manage problems, manage timelines and applicable budget items for project implementation and maintenance; negotiate new or revised project timelines and/or outcomes
- work with software vendors and DEQ/DIT staff to reach key milestones, including management of schedules, documentation, and ongoing staff training
- organize and lead meetings with vendors, end-users, and task teams to accomplish key deliverables in the implementation process
- take the lead in coaching staff and external users as they learn the Clinisys LIMS data workflow

~ Technical Support: Resolve routine and non-routine problems; spot trends in recurring problems and take action to prevent future occurrences; develop suggestions for technical modifications to prevent future problems

~ Technical Solution Development: Design or modify procedures to solve moderate to complex problems involving computer equipment capacity and limitations

~ Provide presentations and other communication tools to display or highlight projects

~ Participate in conferences to showcase results and demonstrate project deliverables

~ Maintain training materials and conduct training for new team members

~ Typical administrative duties, including procedure development and maintenance

~ Other duties as required at management direction

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $63,927.00 - $87,899.00

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above. Job posting details will no longer be available after the position closes.

Supplemental Information

The Division of Water Resources:

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for protecting North Carolina’s drinking, surface, and ground water 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, Water Quality NPDES Permitting, and Water Planning.  Click here to learn more about the Division of Water Resources. 

The Water Sciences Section provides the Division of Water Resources with scientific and technical support required to monitor, regulate and manage water quality throughout North Carolina. The eight branches of the section, comprised of biologists, chemists, environmental specialists, and technical support staff, evaluate the state's aquatic resources through a variety of specialized biological, chemical, and physical techniques. These evaluations provide the basis for sound scientific decisions in the division's efforts to protect and enhance North Carolina's waters. 

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.

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 (3) years of experience related to the area of assignment; 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:

Deborah J Williams

Recruiter Email:

[email protected]