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 position is Exempt Policymaking and is EXEMPT from certain provisions of the State Human Resources Act (GS 126). This position serves at the pleasure of agency leadership.

The State Energy Director is responsible for leading the technical and administrative planning, management, and coordination of the State Energy Office, which operates state and federally-funded energy programs, including the State Energy Program (SEP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). These programs ensure that North Carolina residents, businesses, and communities receive the technical expertise, funding opportunities, and support needed to reduce energy costs, improve home comfort and safety, enhance resilience, and advance the state’s transition toward a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future. Additionally, the position supports a number of federally-funded projects on grid resiliency.

Other Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and organize the work of the State Energy Office and for developing and proposing programs that advance energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives for state buildings, local governments, schools, the agricultural sector, and businesses.
• Establish, develop, and revise work standards, internal operating policies, guidelines, and procedures for State Energy Office programs and leads the development and administration of the office’s grant programs.
• Evaluate the work of the State Energy Office to ensure program missions and goals are met.
• Review hiring requests, reclassification proposals, salary administration issues, promotions, and disciplinary or grievance matters from subordinate managers and supervisors for consistency with applicable policies, making final recommendations when appropriate.
• Work with the Business Officer to prepare the Energy Office’s recommended operating budget and forecasts, tracks, and approves expenditures to ensure compliance with the continuation budgets for federal programs.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $87,740 - $137,917

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

The State Energy Office:

DEQ's State Energy Office is dedicated to ensuring a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy future for the residents of North Carolina. The Office provides services and technical expertise focused on energy efficiency in the public sector, encouraging the development of clean, reliable, and affordable energy. The Office also works to improve energy efficiency and affordability throughout the state, serving as the principal source of information for these energy areas. SEO also administers programs in weatherization assistance, grid resilience, and distributed energy resources.

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.

Bachelor'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 seven years of progressive experience in environmental work including two years in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A valid driver's license is required for this position.

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.