Environmental Protection Specialist - Direct Hire

Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Regional Environmental Protection program expert. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring 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. Location Location after negotiation is based on Alternative Duty Locations (ADL) with availability. Duties 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 focused on improving interagency relationships, consultation procedures, environmental review and analysis methods, and mitigation concepts. Ensure compliance with NEPA, FTA’s environmental procedures, and federal environmental laws (Clean Air Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.) during execution of the federal transit program. Lead efforts in implementing agency‑wide regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines related to impact assessment and mitigation of environmental and community impacts of proposed transit projects and transportation plans. Guide the development and preparation of guidance documents, memoranda, website content and training courses on environmental analysis methods for transit project development and transportation planning. Propose solutions to potential conflicts during environmental reviews, public meetings or regulatory/policy development; prepare oral or written briefing material and decision documents for senior officials. Assist FTA legal staff in preparing briefs and consulting on litigation related to the environment. Guide FTA staff and project sponsors through NEPA and other environmental processes for proposed transit projects. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate has 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. Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specialized experience qualifications. Direct hire authority/SME will be used to fill this position. Selected individuals may be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period during which performance and conduct, agency needs, organizational goals, efficiency, and public interest will be evaluated. Probation may be canceled by written certification that continued employment advances the public interest. Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must register for the Selective Service. A government contractor‑issued travel card will be issued for official business only. A background security investigation is required; appointment will be subject to successful completion. Qualifications Grade12 Qualifications At least one year of experience working with project sponsors/recipients, local and state agencies, and federal agencies in compliance with NEPA and related environmental laws for transit/transportation projects. Experience applying environmental statutes, laws, regulations and guidelines to analyze impacts, protect the environment, and prepare environmental documents. Experience reviewing and analyzing environmental impacts of transit/transportation projects in compliance with NEPA, Section 106, Section 4(f), and mitigating those impacts. Effective oral and written communication with internal and external subject‑matter specialties; preparing correspondence, reports and memos; conveying technical information to stakeholders. Grade13 Qualifications At least one year of experience performing project development activities with project sponsors, local and state agencies, and federal agencies in compliance with NEPA and related environmental laws for transit/transportation projects. Experience applying environmental statutes, laws, regulations, guidelines and the federal environmental review process, including the Clean Air Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, and other environmental laws. Experience managing, preparing, reviewing, and providing technical assistance for transit/transportation projects with NEPA review (categorical exclusion, environmental assessment, or impact statement) including mitigation and all consultation. Effective communication with internal and external subject‑matter specialties; preparing correspondence, reports, memos; leading meetings; conveying technical information to stakeholders. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Stakeholder Management – Knowledge of concepts, practices, and techniques used to engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups involved in environmental projects. Compliance – Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with federal laws and regulations. Technical Credibility – Ability to appropriately apply principles, procedures, and policies related to specialized expertise. Problem Solving and Communication – Ability to recognize conflicts during environmental reviews and propose strategies; interpret rules and regulations into compliant documents; write clear, concise, and convincing reports and make oral presentations. Project Management – Knowledge of scheduling, coordination, and management of NEPA document preparation and review; monitoring scope, quality, timelines, contractor performance. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include health, dental, life insurance, retirement, paid leave, and federal pay schedules. Eligibility depends on the type of position and full‑time status. Contact the hiring agency for more information on benefits offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr