Environmental Protection Specialist - Direct Hire

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Regional Environmental Protection program expert. The incumbent is responsible for assuring the Region's compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), FTA’s environmental procedures (23 CFR part 771), and related Federal laws during its execution of the Federal transit program. 

PLEASE NOTE: Location after negotiation is based on Alternative Duty Locations (ADL) with availability.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

• Experience working with project sponsors/recipients, local and state agencies, and other federal agencies in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental laws and regulations, including Section 4(f), as they relate to transit/transportation projects.
• Experience applying environmental statutes, laws, regulations, and guidelines related to analyzing environmental impacts, protecting the environment, and preparing environmental documents for transit/transportation projects.
• Experience in reviewing and analyzing environmental impacts that occur with transit/transportation projects in compliance with NEPA, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 4(f), and in mitigating those impacts.
• Experience working and communicating effectively (orally and in writing) with internal and external subject matter specialties (e.g., planning and engineering) to ensure project compliance with NEPA and other environmental requirements; preparing correspondence, reports and memos for consultation, technical assistance, and policy guidance; and conveying technical information to stakeholders.

To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

• Experience performing project development activities and working with project sponsors/recipients, local and state agencies, and other federal agencies in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental laws and regulations, including Section 4(f), as they relate to transit/transportation projects.
• Experience applying environmental statutes, laws, regulations, guidelines, and the federal environmental review processes in compliance with NEPA, including the Clean Air Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, and other environmental laws, regulations, and policies, as they relate to Federal environmental requirements in preparing environmental documents for transit/transportation projects.
• Experience in managing, preparing, reviewing, and providing technical assistance for transit/transportation projects that require any level of NEPA review (i.e., categorical exclusion, environmental assessment and/or an environmental impact statement) from beginning to conclusion and including mitigation and all consultation, such as with the State Historic Preservation Officer, USFWS, USACE, and Federally recognized tribes.
• Experience working and communicating effectively (orally and in writing) with internal and external subject matter specialties (e.g., planning and engineering) to ensure program and project compliance with NEPA and other environmental requirements; preparing correspondence, reports and memos for consultation, technical assistance, and policy guidance; leading group meetings/conferences; and conveying technical information to stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:     

• Stakeholder Management - Knowledge of the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort; including those actively involved, those who exert influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative). 
• Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Technical Credibility - Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.
• Problem Solving and Communication – Strong ability to recognize possible conflicts during environmental reviews,
  public meetings/hearings or regulatory/policy development and propose strategies for solution. Strong ability to
  interpret and translate the rules and regulations into sound, legally adequate compliance documents that anticipate
  and respond to concerns and potential challenges. Writes in a clear, concise, organized and convincing manner for the
  intended audience. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
• Project Management - Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply the principles, methods, and tools for scheduling, coordinating and managing NEPA document preparation and review as an integral part of project development and management, including monitoring and evaluating scope of work, quality assurance, timelines, and contractor performance. Comprehensive knowledge of how transportation projects are planned, managed, implemented, and coordinated with the public.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Responsibilities:

Provisions of the following NEPA-related laws or their implementing regulations pertain to the FTA program: the Clean Air Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, 49 U.S.C. § 303 (protection of public lands), 49 U.S.C. §§ 5303-5305 (metropolitan and statewide transportation planning), 49 U.S.C. § 5323(c) (economic, social, and environmental interests), Section 4(f) of the DOT Act (49 U.S.C. 303), and other Federal environmental laws.

As an Environmental Protection Specialist, you will:

• Meet with staff of other Federal agencies to discuss environmental processes, issues, and opportunities for expediting project delivery.
• Represent FTA in interagency environmental activities and workgroups for the primary purpose of developing improved interagency relationships and consultation procedures, improved environmental review and analysis methods, and improved mitigation concepts, thereby streamlining the environmental review process while maintaining appropriate environmental protections.
• Ensure the compliance with NEPA, FTA’s environmental procedures (23 CFR part 771), the Clean Air Act, The National Historic Preservation Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Uniform Relation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, metropolitan and statewide transportation planning, economic, social, and environmental interests, Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, and other Federal environmental laws during execution of the Federal transit program.
• Lead efforts in implementing agency-wide in implementing agency-wide regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines related to the impact assessment and mitigation of the environmental and community impacts of proposed transit projects and transportation plans.
• Guide the development and preparation of guidance documents and memoranda, website material, and training courses on environmental analysis methods and procedures for transit project development and transportation planning for use by environmental and transportation planners throughout the region.
• Propose solutions to possible conflicts during environmental reviews, public meetings/hearings or regulatory/policy development in a timely manner. Prepare oral or written briefing material and decision documents for use by senior officials.
• Assist FTA legal staff in preparing briefs and consulting on litigation related to the environment. Use analysis, critical thinking and problem solving for environmental issues, completion of regional environmental document reviews, and preparation of documents to support litigation if necessary.
• Guide FTA staff and project sponsors/grantees through NEPA and other environmental processes for proposed transit projects.

The Ideal Candidate will have experience with environmental project management and preparation of environmental documents; demonstrated ability to analyze project needs and impacts in environmental planning, and urban and regional transportation planning; and has knowledge of environmental laws, the environmental review process and principles of project development while promoting the FTA mission.

Salary : $89,508