The Department of Transportation is seeking Environmental Protection Specialists. You will serve as the technical expert concerning environmental programs, activities, and analyses.
Summary
The Department of Transportation is seeking Environmental Protection Specialists. You will serve as the technical expert concerning environmental programs, activities, and analyses.
As a Environmental Protection Specialist, you will:
Serve as a technical authority on policy, laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and directives related to NEPA and OA’s project development processes. Advise stakeholders and Federal and State partner agencies on Federal responsibilities and the requirements of NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), and Operating Administration’s regulations, policies, and guidance.
Advise stakeholders and partner agencies on integrating complex environmental and transportation planning processes and on other approaches to improve the linkages between planning and human and natural environmental issues. Ensure environmental laws are addressed and integrated into the NEPA decision-making process. Ensure the appropriate NEPA classification of a project, i.e., Categorical Exclusion (CE), Environmental Assessment (EA), and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Keep current as to recent or emerging changes and new leadership initiatives on environmental issues that affect the development of projects in order to provide expertise to the Division Office, the State DOT, and other State agencies.
Provide feedback on environmental documents and studies that are complex and usually controversial. Collaborate with and advise stakeholders, Federal and State partner agencies, team members and other stakeholders of special environmental concerns, such as those related to environmental justice, community impact assessments, wetlands, cultural resources, biological resources, ecosystems, hazardous materials, hazardous wastes and brownfields, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, air and water quality, and other highly sensitive environmental areas.
Conduct field reviews to resolve complex environmental issues/problems and provides expertise to the Division Office’s transportation customers regarding the environmental process for transportation projects.
Lead reviews of NEPA documents and other environmental documentation within the Division Office to ensure compliance with requirements and coordinates the review of these documents by other Federal and State resource and regulatory agencies, Tribal Governments, if applicable, and other stakeholders.
Conduct program and process reviews of complex and diverse projects, including field reviews, to ensure that Federal requirements and environmental commitments are achieved.
The ideal candidate for this position is an entry level to mid-career employee with experience implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and/or other environmental laws, regulations, or policies.
You must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible for consideration.
You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You will be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.
PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection.
DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
completed).
REMOTE WORK: If selected for a remote work position, you must have access to high speed internet and cell phone service meeting current Agency standards from the approved work location within the Contiguous United States and sign a remote work agreement.
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 and it must include:
Experience applying environmental standards, methods, and practices to assure full implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental laws, regulations or policy (such as Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, laws concerning archeology, endangered species, noise impacts, project level Air Quality conformity determinations, or Executive Orders);
Experience preparing and reviewing environmental documents including, but not limited to Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments, Purpose and Needs Statements, Alternative Analyses, etc.; AND
Experience working with other Federal and/or State agencies to advance projects in accordance with NEPA.
To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 and it must include:
Experience as a coordinator or lead in at least two or more of the following:
Experience applying environmental standards, methods, and practices to assure full implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related laws such as Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and/or laws concerning archeology, endangered species, noise impacts, project level Air Quality conformity determinations, and Presidential Executive Orders;
Experience preparing and reviewing environmental documents including, but not limited to Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments, Purpose and Needs Statements, Alternative Analyses, etc.; AND
Experience managing teams, defining project goals and objective, and working with other Federal and/or State agencies to resolve complex environmental issues/problems in accordance with NEPA.
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:
Knowledge of transportation performance management which includes understanding the basic elements of transportation performance management, its use in driving better results, and how it relates to or differs from transportation industry concepts of performance measurement and asset management including identifying measures and/or indicators through risk-based and data-driven procedures.
Mastery level knowledge of the laws, policies, and procedures related to Public Involvement requirements for transportation projects in order to advise on the process and ensure requirements for involving the public are met.
Comprehensive knowledge of other environmental laws to include pertinent sections of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, archaeology, noise impacts, Presidential Executive Orders, and other Federal environmental laws and requirements such as those related to Context Sensitivity, environmental justice, and socio-economic and land use, environmental or condition and element impacts in order to ensure transportation project requirements are met and to advise on and facilitate solutions to issues.
Knowledge of program review and evaluation techniques to promote and guide the State in participating in risk assessments and assessing whether adequate internal controls exist for proper execution of the State’s environmental procedures and practices.
Knowledge and use of a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to project development to coordinate with appropriate staff. Coordinates with appropriate Division Office staff to assist in the environmental review process and effectively assist in studies and analyses in the development of projects.
Skill in providing customer service, influencing and negotiating, partnering, and conflict management.
Skill in working cooperatively with Federal and State resource and regulatory agencies, Federal and local officials, stakeholders, grantees, interest groups, and the general public. Skill communicating clearly, concisely, and tactfully with Federal, State, and local program officials, stakeholders, grantees, and the public both orally and in writing.
Analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to provide program management and implementation guidance and direction to Division Office and State and local regulatory agencies personnel and to assist in formulating project development decisions and office policy.
Skill in using data gathering and analysis techniques to collect and review technical information on environmental activities or field review/inspections.
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.
Additional information
PLEASE NOTE:
This position is also posted Open to Government wide applicants. The announcement number is DOT-2022-0619.
COVID VACCINATION: If selected, you will be required to provide information regarding your COVID-19 vaccination status for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
*PLEASE NOTE: This is an open continuous, not to exceed one-year, vacancy. We will review applications as needed and refer the top candidates for potential interviews during the open period of the announcement. Duty locations will vary. The difference in salary is determined by the locality pay in each location. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/general-schedule/
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.
To compete with U.S. Citizens: If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of two categories: Qualified and Well Qualified which is based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference that have provided supporting documents will receive selection priority over non-veterans. The top rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.
All applicants: Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. The answers you select in the on-line process must be substantiated in your application package. If upon review, it is determined that your described work history, competencies, and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be updated on your behalf or you may not be referred to the selecting official. Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. The Automated Staffing Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
RESUME - All applicants must provide a resume created within USA Jobs Resume Builder, that shows relevant experience, education and support the required specialized experience. Formatted resumes can by uploaded later in the application process.
VETERANS: Your last DD214 (member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, that shows the type of discharge and all dates of active duty is required to verify your eligibility.
If applying to a vacancy opened to all US Citizens under category rating and wish to be considered as a preference eligible, you need to submit a copy of your DD214 (member-4 copy).
If claiming preference eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must submit proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally a valid letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. An SF-15 is desired, but not required.
If applying to a vacancy opened Status and you are requesting consideration under Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) (https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/#veoa), you need to provide a copy of your last DD214 (member-4 copy), which verifies your military service dates, reason for separation, OR certification of separation that shows a discharge date within 120 days of the closing of this announcement, and eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act.
NON COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS: If requesting concurrent consideration for Non-competitive (NC) appointment eligibility, you must provide the appropriate SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS, such as PCS orders (military spouse) describing move & marriage certificate; letter from VA or DD214 describing 100% disability of spouse; letter from State Vocational Office certifying disability (schedule A), etc. For more information, visit military spouse NC appointments or Persons with Disabilities NC appointments.
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
your most recent performance appraisal,
the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USAJobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
You may review your saved application(s) at https://my.usajobs.gov.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com. (Select "My USAJOBS" and click "Applications"). As needed, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Ratings will be determined based on the documents and information received by your application date. Qualified candidates will be assigned a category, not including points that may be assigned for veterans' preference. This vacancy is advertised under category rating and the appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is closed, we will notify all applicants of their final status.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
RESUME - All applicants must provide a resume created within USA Jobs Resume Builder, that shows relevant experience, education and support the required specialized experience. Formatted resumes can by uploaded later in the application process.
VETERANS: Your last DD214 (member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, that shows the type of discharge and all dates of active duty is required to verify your eligibility.
If applying to a vacancy opened to all US Citizens under category rating and wish to be considered as a preference eligible, you need to submit a copy of your DD214 (member-4 copy).
If claiming preference eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must submit proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally a valid letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. An SF-15 is desired, but not required.
If applying to a vacancy opened Status and you are requesting consideration under Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) (https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/#veoa), you need to provide a copy of your last DD214 (member-4 copy), which verifies your military service dates, reason for separation, OR certification of separation that shows a discharge date within 120 days of the closing of this announcement, and eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act.
NON COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS: If requesting concurrent consideration for Non-competitive (NC) appointment eligibility, you must provide the appropriate SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS, such as PCS orders (military spouse) describing move & marriage certificate; letter from VA or DD214 describing 100% disability of spouse; letter from State Vocational Office certifying disability (schedule A), etc. For more information, visit military spouse NC appointments or Persons with Disabilities NC appointments.
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
your most recent performance appraisal,
the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USAJobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
You may review your saved application(s) at https://my.usajobs.gov.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com. (Select "My USAJOBS" and click "Applications"). As needed, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Ratings will be determined based on the documents and information received by your application date. Qualified candidates will be assigned a category, not including points that may be assigned for veterans' preference. This vacancy is advertised under category rating and the appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is closed, we will notify all applicants of their final status.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
