What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Planner 2 position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
The Department of Transportation is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Planner to join our team in Dauphin County. In this role, you will play a vital part in keeping transportation projects on track by supporting the District Environmental Manager with all phases of environmental documentation, compliance, and permitting. Your work will help ensure that projects move forward efficiently while meeting important environmental standards.
If you are ready to make an impact and grow your career in environmental planning, this is your moment. Apply today and bring your expertise to a team that is shaping Pennsylvania’s future.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this role, you will play a vital part in evaluating how proposed and existing transportation projects affect the environment. Your work will include reviewing project impacts on landforms, water quality, land use, cultural resources, socio-economic factors, scenic rivers, wetlands, threatened and endangered species, erosion and sedimentation controls, air quality, and noise.
You will conduct environmental analyses and prepare or review technical reports related to hazardous and residual waste, wetland and waterway investigations, and threatened and endangered species. You’ll share environmental findings with project teams, explain their implications, and develop or deliver environmental awareness programs as needed.
Your responsibilities will also include reviewing—and at times preparing—studies on natural resources, pollution control, environmental health, population data, land use, recreation, and other areas required for environmental clearance. You will research potential environmental impacts of planned transportation projects across natural, physical, social, economic, and cultural resources, as well as waste management and pollution prevention considerations.
Fieldwork is an important part of this position. You will perform wetland identification and delineation, threatened and endangered species surveys, Phase I waste investigations, construction waste and borrow site evaluations, erosion and sedimentation control assessments, and post-construction monitoring. You will also assist construction and maintenance personnel in resolving environmental issues that arise in the field.
You will support the review of project alternatives by analyzing environmental impacts, identifying avoidance and minimization opportunities, and advising on timelines for environmental clearance. Additionally, you will help develop environmental mitigation measures and enter commitments into the Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Tracking System (ECMTS), coordinating with project managers and consultants throughout the process. You may also prepare contract documents and specifications related to environmental resource protection and waste management.
Your work will involve participating in the preparation and review of scopes of work, technical and price proposals, and work-hour estimates. You will maintain strong working relationships with federal, state, and local environmental agencies—including USFWS, PFBC, DCNR, DEP, and others—conducting field views and site inspections with agency representatives to assess project impacts within their areas of expertise.
Community engagement is also part of the role. You will attend public meetings, meetings with elected officials, plan displays, environmental agency sessions, and other outreach events. You will review and provide feedback on materials prepared for public display to ensure environmental information is accurate and clearly communicated.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
- Five years of progressive professional experience in local, regional, or state environmental planning; or
- Two years of experience as an Environmental Planner 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- A Master's degree in planning or one of the environmental sciences and two years of progressive professional environmental planning experience; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
-
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.