Water Sampler

Agency

Dept of Environmental Quality

Division

Marine Fisheries

Job Classification Title

Environmental Specialist I (NS)

Position Number

Grade

NC12

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 Carolinas 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 publics health and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolinas 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 states 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 Water Sampler is responsible for conducting bacteriological sampling in all shellfish growing areas and monitors recreational swimming areas between Pungo River Ocracoke and the Virginia State Line. This sampling will be conducted by boat by truck and on foot and will involve the collection of water samples at pre-determined locations following standardized sampling protocols. These bacteriological samples will be utilized along with other data and information to determine the appropriate shellfish harvest classifications for all coastal waters within this geographic area and to determine if recreational swimming sites are meeting safe swimming standards. Applicants must be able to swim.

Key Responsibilities:
Conduct bacteriological surveys in all shellfish growing areas between Pungo River Ocracoke and the Virginia State Line. These surveys are conducted entirely by boat and involve the collection of water samples at a series of predefined sampling locations throughout estuarine shellfish growing areas.
Conduct bacteriological surveys at all monitored recreational swimming areas throughout the same geographic area. These surveys are conducted primarily by truck and on foot and involve the collection of water samples at a series of predefined sampling locations along the oceanfront and at some sound-side and riverine sampling locations.
Assist the Microbiological Laboratory Specialist in processing samples after collection as well as the preparation of media and the maintenance and cleaning of lab equipment and supplies.
Carry out or arrange necessary maintenance on sampling vehicles boats motors trailers and other equipment.
Provide vessel support for the shoreline survey program hydrographic studies of point source discharges of pollution phytoplankton sampling or any other special projects necessary to assess water quality in shellfish growing waters or at recreational swimming sites.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $45926 - $50390

Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.

Management Preferences:

• Experience operating boats and/or trailers.

The Division of Marine Fisheries

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the stewardship of the states marine and estuarine resources. The DMFs jurisdiction encompasses all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Agency policies are established by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. North Carolina is a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. Click here to learn more about the Division of Marine Fisheries.

If you have student loans becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit to learn more.

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.

Bachelors 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

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:

Pamela Winslow

Recruiter Email: