Mecklenburg County Government
Environmental Specialist III
Mecklenburg County Government, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 28245
Follow your calling, Find your career
Please apply by: 1/23/26
Salary Range: $57,000 - $86,000 This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career unique to you with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help to provide key services that will contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA’s responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations.
Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high-energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.
Position Summary Serves as the team lead of an environmental program area and/or field staff of environmental specialists or other employees engaged in the management/awareness/outreach related to environmental activities. Works to ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and standards regarding any of the following program areas: air quality, solid waste facilities and programs, and storm water services.
More About the Role This leadership position within Mecklenburg County’s Water Quality (WQ) Program (under the Stream Team) performs a variety of activities which includes stream morphology assessments/surveys, inspections, and restoring surface water quality conditions in Mecklenburg County. This position will also serve as the lead role of the Stream Walk Program that supports the City of Charlotte’s Phase I and Mecklenburg County’s Phase II stormwater permit(s). Position also provides leadership support in the Stream Restoration Ranking System (SRRS) program and compensatory mitigation credit monitoring/reporting for selected stream/wetland projects. The candidate must be proficient with various surveying equipment; GPS units; water quality monitoring instruments such as YSI multiprobes, ISCO automated samplers; mobile data collection systems; and cellular phones. Basic engineering design plan review experience for stream restoration projects is preferred.
What Will I be Doing This position requires strong team and leadership skills to be proficient in performing field activities of surveying, collecting, and analyzing datasets to assess/determine conditions of unrestored/restored streams. Candidate will also use GIS to analyze and assess datasets collected for the Stream Walk Program. This position will draft reports and present data results, trends, etc to WQ and City of Charlotte staff periodically.
The position will also respond to resident’s request for service related to water pollution, investigate potential sources, enforce regulations, and ensure compliance with applicable local ordinances. The position will serve on an Emergency Response Team with other field staff approximately 2 to 3 weeks per year to respond to water pollution emergencies after normal business hours to enforce local ordinances and ensure compliance.
Who Will I be Working With This position is part of WQ’s Streams Team and leads/works with WQ biologists and ecologists. The position works with project managers in Engineering/Mitigation and Storm Water Operations for maintenance/monitoring initiatives necessary for long-term stewardship of completed stream restoration projects.
Essential Functions
Monitor and conduct investigations for possible violations and resolve issues and/or questions
Report violations to the appropriate authority documents findings, and testifies in court if necessary; and suspend or revoke permits if necessary
Provide community outreach and education; interact with residents, business groups, and community groups and respond to them regarding issues or questions, problems or improvements
Communicate with various agencies regarding compliance matters and reporting requirements
Oversee campaigns to promote environmental programs with communities or private companies
Prepare grant applications to fund environmental programs or program enhancements
Identify or investigate new opportunities for materials to be collected and recycled
Provide training internally and externally on topics such as safety, environmental practices, or operations
Review customer requests for service to determine service needs and deploy appropriate resources to provide service
Coordinate information and education resources for environmental programs with other departments, municipalities, outside agencies, groups, and businesses
Compile reports on environmental programs and provide feedback and suggestions on how existing programs can be improved
Design and implement process improvement projects and programs
Keep up-to-date on current environmental best practices and legislation
Serve as team lead that monitors the daily activity of environmental staff and programs
Prepare grant applications to fund environmental programs as directed
Use technical expertise to troubleshoot and monitor instruments, technology, or network configuration
Assist with and develop technical specifications necessary for contracts and provide monitoring of contracts with environmental components
Minimum Qualifications Experience: Minimum of five years of environmental experience.
Education Bachelor’s degree in an environmental or scientific field. Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes
Licenses and Certifications
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Requires County Driving Privileges
Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of state, federal laws and regulations, county ordinances, administrative rulings and judicial decisions that pertain to the area of environmental management, including, but not limited to water quality, air quality, solid waste management, and other educational programs
Basic scientific principles and environmental issues
Current terminology used in respective environmental program area
Building construction and design, and the impact of facility layout to work patterns and how they impact sanitation, public health, and the environment
Ordinances and regulations pertaining to specific environmental issues related to area of work
Grant acquisition, approval and implementation
Contract development and administration, including procurement procedures
Theories, principles and practices of environmental sciences
Sustainability practices and processes
Communication practices and processes
Extensive understanding of stream functionality and the chemical, physical and biological conditions necessary for a healthy stream environment
Technical writing, public speaking, and communication of technical information
Natural Channel Design principles and stream restoration techniques
Compensatory wetland/stream mitigation monitoring and reporting
Water quality data collection and management
Advanced data analyses using various software and spreadsheets
GIS software and related remote sensing and spatial data technologies
RiverMORPH software
Leading a team in the completion of stream assessments and surveys
Survey techniques using differential leveling and GPS survey grade equipment
General understanding of wetland, riparian, and invasive plant species
Stream and wetland mitigation programs including monitoring requirements and methodologies
Skills
Applying statistical analysis to environmental issues depending on area of expertise
Field evaluation techniques and applying mandated rules, policies, and procedures
Effective written and verbal communication, customer service and public speaking
Time management; ability to work independently from supervision while managing an extensive workload
Reading maps and interpreting construction plans
Proper sampling techniques and operating necessary equipment
Skill in interpretation of best methodologies of delivery of environmental messaging to technical and non-technical persons
Abilities
Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units or organizations to help achieve business goals
Business Acumen: Using economic, financial, market and industry data to understand and improve business results; using one’s understanding of major business functions, industry trends and own organization’s position to contribute to effective business strategies and tactics
Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Computer Skills Proficient in applicable computer programs
Work Environment Works in outdoor exposed to weather conditions
Selection This classification has been identified as having a role in the development of ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to follow County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations. YES
Reasonable Accommodations Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
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Please apply by: 1/23/26
Salary Range: $57,000 - $86,000 This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career unique to you with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help to provide key services that will contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA’s responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations.
Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high-energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.
Position Summary Serves as the team lead of an environmental program area and/or field staff of environmental specialists or other employees engaged in the management/awareness/outreach related to environmental activities. Works to ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and standards regarding any of the following program areas: air quality, solid waste facilities and programs, and storm water services.
More About the Role This leadership position within Mecklenburg County’s Water Quality (WQ) Program (under the Stream Team) performs a variety of activities which includes stream morphology assessments/surveys, inspections, and restoring surface water quality conditions in Mecklenburg County. This position will also serve as the lead role of the Stream Walk Program that supports the City of Charlotte’s Phase I and Mecklenburg County’s Phase II stormwater permit(s). Position also provides leadership support in the Stream Restoration Ranking System (SRRS) program and compensatory mitigation credit monitoring/reporting for selected stream/wetland projects. The candidate must be proficient with various surveying equipment; GPS units; water quality monitoring instruments such as YSI multiprobes, ISCO automated samplers; mobile data collection systems; and cellular phones. Basic engineering design plan review experience for stream restoration projects is preferred.
What Will I be Doing This position requires strong team and leadership skills to be proficient in performing field activities of surveying, collecting, and analyzing datasets to assess/determine conditions of unrestored/restored streams. Candidate will also use GIS to analyze and assess datasets collected for the Stream Walk Program. This position will draft reports and present data results, trends, etc to WQ and City of Charlotte staff periodically.
The position will also respond to resident’s request for service related to water pollution, investigate potential sources, enforce regulations, and ensure compliance with applicable local ordinances. The position will serve on an Emergency Response Team with other field staff approximately 2 to 3 weeks per year to respond to water pollution emergencies after normal business hours to enforce local ordinances and ensure compliance.
Who Will I be Working With This position is part of WQ’s Streams Team and leads/works with WQ biologists and ecologists. The position works with project managers in Engineering/Mitigation and Storm Water Operations for maintenance/monitoring initiatives necessary for long-term stewardship of completed stream restoration projects.
Essential Functions
Monitor and conduct investigations for possible violations and resolve issues and/or questions
Report violations to the appropriate authority documents findings, and testifies in court if necessary; and suspend or revoke permits if necessary
Provide community outreach and education; interact with residents, business groups, and community groups and respond to them regarding issues or questions, problems or improvements
Communicate with various agencies regarding compliance matters and reporting requirements
Oversee campaigns to promote environmental programs with communities or private companies
Prepare grant applications to fund environmental programs or program enhancements
Identify or investigate new opportunities for materials to be collected and recycled
Provide training internally and externally on topics such as safety, environmental practices, or operations
Review customer requests for service to determine service needs and deploy appropriate resources to provide service
Coordinate information and education resources for environmental programs with other departments, municipalities, outside agencies, groups, and businesses
Compile reports on environmental programs and provide feedback and suggestions on how existing programs can be improved
Design and implement process improvement projects and programs
Keep up-to-date on current environmental best practices and legislation
Serve as team lead that monitors the daily activity of environmental staff and programs
Prepare grant applications to fund environmental programs as directed
Use technical expertise to troubleshoot and monitor instruments, technology, or network configuration
Assist with and develop technical specifications necessary for contracts and provide monitoring of contracts with environmental components
Minimum Qualifications Experience: Minimum of five years of environmental experience.
Education Bachelor’s degree in an environmental or scientific field. Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes
Licenses and Certifications
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Requires County Driving Privileges
Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of state, federal laws and regulations, county ordinances, administrative rulings and judicial decisions that pertain to the area of environmental management, including, but not limited to water quality, air quality, solid waste management, and other educational programs
Basic scientific principles and environmental issues
Current terminology used in respective environmental program area
Building construction and design, and the impact of facility layout to work patterns and how they impact sanitation, public health, and the environment
Ordinances and regulations pertaining to specific environmental issues related to area of work
Grant acquisition, approval and implementation
Contract development and administration, including procurement procedures
Theories, principles and practices of environmental sciences
Sustainability practices and processes
Communication practices and processes
Extensive understanding of stream functionality and the chemical, physical and biological conditions necessary for a healthy stream environment
Technical writing, public speaking, and communication of technical information
Natural Channel Design principles and stream restoration techniques
Compensatory wetland/stream mitigation monitoring and reporting
Water quality data collection and management
Advanced data analyses using various software and spreadsheets
GIS software and related remote sensing and spatial data technologies
RiverMORPH software
Leading a team in the completion of stream assessments and surveys
Survey techniques using differential leveling and GPS survey grade equipment
General understanding of wetland, riparian, and invasive plant species
Stream and wetland mitigation programs including monitoring requirements and methodologies
Skills
Applying statistical analysis to environmental issues depending on area of expertise
Field evaluation techniques and applying mandated rules, policies, and procedures
Effective written and verbal communication, customer service and public speaking
Time management; ability to work independently from supervision while managing an extensive workload
Reading maps and interpreting construction plans
Proper sampling techniques and operating necessary equipment
Skill in interpretation of best methodologies of delivery of environmental messaging to technical and non-technical persons
Abilities
Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units or organizations to help achieve business goals
Business Acumen: Using economic, financial, market and industry data to understand and improve business results; using one’s understanding of major business functions, industry trends and own organization’s position to contribute to effective business strategies and tactics
Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Computer Skills Proficient in applicable computer programs
Work Environment Works in outdoor exposed to weather conditions
Selection This classification has been identified as having a role in the development of ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to follow County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations. YES
Reasonable Accommodations Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
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