ENV Project Planner I or II

Position Information

The Laredo District is looking for an Environmental Project Planner to work in the Advanced Planning Section based in Laredo, TX. In this position, the Planner performs and manages work related to State Environmental requirements and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the transportation planning and development of projects. With the vital support from this position in a rapidly expanding border District, TxDOT is designing, building, and maintaining the essential roadway/bridge infrastructure serving the Citizens of Texas. The Laredo District is part of a workforce of over 12,000 employees statewide. If you would like to be a part of a special team that is shaping today's innovative transportation system, let's talk.

Salary Range for each position level

ENV Project Planner I B22, $57,614 - $93,138

ENV Project Planner II B24, $65,104 - $106,634

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

ENV Project Planner I

Coordinates and manages environmental planning activities associated with transportation projects for the Department. Work includes serving as the liaison with state and federal resource agencies, environmental and special interest groups, consultant staff, and internal project sponsors. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details; may perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

ENV Project Planner II

Coordinates and manages environmental planning activities associated with transportation projects for the Department. Work includes serving as the liaison with state and federal resource agencies, environmental and special interest groups, consultant staff, and internal project sponsors. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details; perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

ENV Project Planner I

• Represents the Department regarding routine environmental issues.
• Consults and coordinates with districts project managers, planners, engineers, and environmental staff on refinement of projects to avoid and minimize environmental impacts.
• Consults and coordinates with representatives of regulatory agencies, special interest groups, the public, and Department personnel related to environmental resources.
• Prepares and reviews routine environmental related schedules, scopes of work, and deliverables for project delivery prepared by department staff and/or consultants.
• Prepares routine environmental related reports and technical analyses, illustrating data graphically and translating technical information into written text.
• Prepares technical studies, in support of categorical exclusions, to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews, evaluates, monitors and/or approves consultant work related to environmental studies.
• Schedules and coordinates public involvement activities for related environmental/planning projects and environmental/planning studies.
• Conducts and/or coordinates field surveys, assessments, and/or project investigations for incorporation into environmental technical studies.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

ENV Project Planner II

• Conducts and/or coordinates field surveys, assessments, and project investigations for incorporation into environmental technical studies and environmental documents.
• Negotiates contracts, renewals, work authorizations, supplements and amendments related to environmental studies.
• Reviews, approves, and/or prepares complex environmental schedules, scopes of work, and deliverables for project delivery prepared by department staff and/or consultants for engineering and or scientific services contracts.
• Prepares technical studies, categorical exclusions, and environmental assessments to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Consults and coordinates with districts project managers, planners, engineers, and environmental staff on refinement of projects to avoid and minimize environmental impacts.
• Consults and coordinates with representatives of regulatory agencies, special interest groups, the public, and Department personnel related to environmental resources.
• Evaluates potential environmental impact of transportation projects on noise, air, hazardous materials, biological, water, geological, socioeconomic, environmental justice, protected lands (Section 4(f), Section 6(f), and Chapter 26), and cultural (historic and archeological) resources.
• Reviews, evaluates, monitors and/or approves consultant work related to environmental studies.
• Schedules and coordinates public involvement activities for related environmental/planning projects and environmental/planning studies.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education :

Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. Related experience in environmental, planning, project management or other related fields may be substituted for education. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications .

Experience :

ENV Project Planner I

No experience required.

ENV Project Planner II

3 years environmental, planning, project management or other relevant experience (Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated parttime equivalent) Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications :

Valid U.S. driver's license at the time of application. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:

ENV Project Planner I

Some knowledge of

• Environmental laws, regulations, and mitigation requirements.

Proficient skill in

• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and records management
• Using computers, applications including (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat), or related applications and systems

Some skill in

• Collecting, analyzing, and organizing business and technical data
• Using photographic and field equipment applicable to area of responsibility
• Researching, analyzing, developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information specific to functional area
• Planning, leading, coordinating, monitoring, handling, and establishing goals and objectives for multiple environmental programs/projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long term deadlines

Ability to

• Build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions and negotiating settlement of differences without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening techniques to determine other parties' positions in a direct and diplomatic manner

Other Attributes

• Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers
• Shows initiative and action beyond what is required to improve products or services; is self-starting and completes assignments independently without constant supervision

ENV Project Planner II

Considerable knowledge of

• Environmental laws, regulations, and mitigation requirements.
• Writing methodologies and strategies to develop and implement appropriate informational and educational materials related to environmental studies and activities

Some knowledge of

• Construction, maintenance and operation of transportation facilities
• Contract negotiation, development and management methods

Proficient skill in

• Collecting, analyzing, and organizing business and technical data
• Researching, analyzing, developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information specific to functional area
• Planning, leading, coordinating, monitoring, handling, and establishing goals and objectives for multiple environmental programs/projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long term deadlines
• Using photographic and field equipment applicable to area of responsibility

Ability to

• Build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions and negotiating settlement of differences without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening techniques to determine other parties' positions in a direct and diplomatic manner

Other Attributes

• Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Visual Acuity-determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.