TWDB - 26-22: Environmental Protection Specialist I-III

TWDB • Austin, TX

4d

About The Position

Performs routine (journey-level) to highly complex (senior-level) environmental work reviewing Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) funded projects. Work includes assisting with, reviewing, and evaluating environmental reports, technical documents, and engineering plans. Coordinates with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and prepares recommendations and environmental determinations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential impacts. Works under moderate to limited supervision, with limited to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May train or supervise others. Reports to the Brazos (Team 2) Regional Team Manager in the Regional Water Project Development (RWPD) Division.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences, Archeology, Anthropology, Water Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Hydrology, or related field.
• Environmental Protection Specialist I : Up to one year of relevant work experience in natural science, archeology, or a closely related field.
• Environmental Protection Specialist II : Three years of relevant work experience in natural science, archeology, or a closely related field.
• Environmental Protection Specialist III : Five years of relevant work experience in natural science, archeology, or a closely related field.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the RWPD Division.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of vegetation, wildlife, geology, soils, hydrology, and/or archeology of Texas.
• Knowledge of applicable state and/or federal environmental protection and historic preservation statutes, their implementing regulations, and related executive orders.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs, such as Word. Excel, Teams, SharePoint, Outlook and experience using Adobe Acrobat.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in effective facilitation of project development during negotiations with applicants, consultants, and state or federal regulatory agencies.
• Skills in preparing and maintaining accurate records, reports, documents, correspondence, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave, and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly, and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous, and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to be self-motivated and to work under general direction with latitude for use of independent judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 5% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed eight hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Natural Sciences, Environmental Science, or Archeology.
• Two years of field experience.
• Experience in flood related work and/or working on flood related projects.
• Experience in NEPA planning and environmental assessment.
• Experience delineating aquatic resources and/or conducting habitat evaluations.
• Experience navigating the United States Army Corps of Engineers permitting process.
• Relevant professional certifications or qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with and advises the TWDB’s customers and their consultants on the level of environmental review required for proposed projects and associated requirements, including informing them of potentially required coordination, surveys, assessments, or investigations needed to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental requirements.
• Coordinates with TWDB staff and other state, federal, and regulatory agencies, and various groups on environmental issues as they pertain to TWDB-funded projects.
• Evaluates the potential impact of project activities in one or more of the following areas: noise pollution, air and water quality, wetlands, hazardous materials, socioeconomic areas, biological resources, geological areas, and/or cultural or historic resources.
• Reviews coordination from regulatory agencies and recommends conditions intended to minimize, avoid, or mitigate potential impacts.
• Reviews project-related documents, including environmental assessments, archeological and biological survey reports, coordination with regulatory agencies, environmental information documents, environmental site assessments, environmental findings issued by other agencies, and other project-related documents.
• Works closely with the RWPD teams, environmental review workgroup, and other staff to ensure consistency of review policies and procedures.
• Follows processes consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and state-level environmental review requirements and reviews projects to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other state and federal regulations.
• Reviews project-related funding applications and engineering documents.
• Conducts archeological and environmental file and literature searches and data analyses.
• Prepares, amends, and adopts state and NEPA level environmental determinations.
• Provides guidance and professional advice to TWDB management on cultural resources management, waters of the United States, endangered species issues, floodplains, and other issues related to cultural or natural resources.
• Works closely with environmental and engineering consultants, as well as local, state, and federal representatives throughout the course of each project.
• Provides guidance and recommendations to stakeholders, including potential financial assistance applicants and recipients on compliance with program requirements.
• Prepares written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Represents the agency at assigned engagements, including meetings with state and federal agencies and representatives from other political subdivisions of the state.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees