Environmental Protection Specialist - Direct Hire

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, qua