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Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
NC State University's Utilities and Engineering Department is seeking an experienced Environmental Engineer to lead critical environmental compliance programs that support the safe, reliable, and sustainable operation of the university's utility systems. This senior technical role offers the opportunity to apply your engineering expertise to complex environmental challenges while helping protect natural resources and maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
In this position, you will oversee environmental permitting, monitoring, reporting, and compliance programs related to air quality, wastewater collection, water quality, stormwater, and spill prevention. You will serve as a trusted technical expert, working collaboratively with university leadership, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), utility operations teams, and regulatory agencies to address complex issues, evaluate risks, and develop effective solutions.
You will also provide technical guidance during environmental incidents, support long-range infrastructure planning, and help advance environmental best practices across the university's central utility plants and distribution systems.
If you are passionate about environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and applying engineering expertise to meaningful, campus-wide challenges, we invite you to apply and become part of NC State's Utilities and Engineering team.
Key responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:
- Oversee air quality permitting, monitoring, reporting, and regulatory compliance for central utility plants, boilers, and emergency generators.
- Manage Title V air permit requirements, emissions tracking, permit updates, and required regulatory reports.
- Coordinate emissions testing, stack sampling, monitoring system testing, and regulatory submissions.
- Prepare and submit environmental compliance reports for air quality, spill prevention, wastewater, reuse water, and water quality programs.
- Represent NC State in environmental compliance matters with EPA, NCDEQ, and the City of Raleigh.
- Develop, maintain, and review SPCC plans and emergency response procedures; train personnel on applicable requirements.
- Manage wastewater collection permits, standard operating procedures, system mapping, and annual reporting.
- Coordinate fats, oils, and grease (FOG) prevention outreach with university and municipal partners.
- Oversee water quality sampling, testing, chlorination guidance, and campus notifications regarding water distribution concerns.
- Coordinate stormwater and reuse water inspections, maintenance, permit renewals, monitoring, and reporting.
- Monitor stormwater discharges and coordinate corrective actions to meet permit and MS4 requirements.
- Lead environmental response to spills, sanitary sewer overflows, and utility-related incidents; coordinate containment, cleanup, reporting, and corrective actions.
- Provide technical guidance on environmental compliance and complex utility systems to staff, contractors, and leadership.
- Collaborate with utility and engineering teams on long-range inspections, preventive maintenance, infrastructure renewal, and compliance improvements.
- Develop and monitor environmental program budgets and support capital planning for compliance and risk reduction.
- Review capital construction plans, specifications, and field activities for environmental compliance.
- Research regulations, industry best practices, and emerging technologies to improve utility operations and environmental programs.
Other Work/Responsibilities:
- Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Minimum Experience/Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in the Engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or and equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, sanitary sewer permits, Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements, underground storage tank regulations, and stormwater illicit discharge programs.
- Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of federal and state environmental regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ).
- Knowledge of environmental permitting processes and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Familiarity with industrial combustion sources, stormwater and sanitary sewer infrastructure, Utilities and Engineering systems, and spill containment structures.
- Knowledge of applicable City of Raleigh municipal codes and environmental requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience managing environmental compliance programs in an industrial or higher education setting.
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Required License or Certification:
- Valid driver's license required.
- Valid North Carolina driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.
AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.