Environmental Technician

New Hanover County is looking for an Environmental Technician to join our Recycling & Solid Waste Department. This role ensures the landfill is operating safely in regard to environmental and public health. Duties include operating the Landfill’s Reverse Osmosis and Biological treatment plant, taking samples, analyzing water quality, adjusting chemical treatment processes, maintaining and repairing equipment.
Essential duties include:

• Operates the landfill leachate treatment plant, which includes sample collecting, reporting, maintenance and repair, site-specific testing, and pipe plumbing and repair.
• Analyzes water quality which includes preparing and calibrating equipment, sampling water according to state guidelines, performing chemical analyses, filing documentation, and reporting data
• Operates and conducts maintenance and repair and samples, tests and records the onsite compost operation.
• Maintains and inspects the compost area, drives heavy machinery, and records/analyzes the amount of waste being converted into compost from food waste, mulch, and other sources.
• Conducts maintenance and repair of leachate pumps and pump stations and gathers pump station data regarding run times and leachate flow rates.
• Uses pump station and lagoon depth data to determine the priority of leachate treatment by location.
• Operates and maintains spray irrigation system, artificial wetlands, and the landfill leachate treatment system.
• Samples and reports landfill gas which includes preparing and calibrating equipment, sampling gas at stations located across the entire property, and reporting results.
• Screens in-coming waste for presence of hazardous, out-of-county, or other banned materials. Educates drivers about banned waste to inspire awareness about sustainability at the landfill and deter repeat/future offenses.
• Conducts weekly stormwater site inspections, monthly ladder inspections, and safety shower and eyewash inspections.
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of state and federal water treatment guidelines; basic mathematical and statistical concepts; plumbing and pumping principles; chemical analysis techniques; basic chemistry principles; techniques for analyzing water quality; safe chemical Application techniques; water treatment equipment inspection and repair techniques.

Skilled in using a computer and related software applications; preparing written reports; using hand and power tools; repairing PVC piping, performing chemical analyses; calibrating water treatment equipment; collecting water samples; calculating ratios; and communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations.

Employment Type:
Full-time, non-exempt

Salary Information:
The hiring salary for this position is $46,360 annually plus a competitive benefits package. Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.

Required education and experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies, Biology or related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the specific position as listed above.

• Valid Driver’s License (from any state) and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by first date of employment with good driving record.
• Ability to obtain Grade II Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License within 1 year of employment.

Applicant Information:
This position is open until filled. All applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.