Environmental Protection Specialist

NEW Solutions•Fort Collins, CO

21h

About The Position

The Environmental Protection Specialist monitors internal and external proposals, projects, and proposed actions to identify opportunities for division review and provides technical comments that strengthen protection of natural sound and night sky resources in national parks. The specialist synthesizes scientific, policy, and operational considerations into clear, actionable recommendations that help parks minimize acoustic noise and artificial light at night and enhance resource conditions nationally. The position supports division actions related to the Congressional mandate of the National Parks Air Tour Management Act, PL 106-181, 49 USC 40128, and 14 CFR Part 136, Subpart B. Work includes evaluating effects of proposed alternatives on the acoustic and photic environment and facilitating and documenting alternatives or mitigation methods for planned actions. The role also conducts project reviews and consultations, supports public involvement and access, coordinates planning conversations and communications, identifies project purpose and need, develops schedules, and maintains the administrative record. This is an opportunity through the National Park Service Experienced Services Program, administered by National Experienced Workforce Solutions. Enrollees are participants in a grant program and are not federal employees or employees of NEW Solutions. Enrollment is temporary and at-will. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Some overnight and air travel may rarely be required, depending on the enrollee's location and park needs.

Requirements

Master's degree in Environmental Studies, Biology, Physical Science, or Planning, plus at least five years of additional experience in environmental planning and compliance procedures in a federal land management agency, and three years of experience with the Air Tour Management Act; alternatively, previously completed training in NEPA, NHPA, ESA, and the Wilderness Act.
Knowledge of ecological, biological, and geological concepts, principles, and practices, and ability to apply them to park resource issues.
Demonstrated knowledge and application of federal and state laws and regulations relating to the National Park Service, park management, NPS regulations and policies, and guidance and best practices for protecting acoustic and night sky resources, including reducing noise and artificial light.
Professional knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense, multiagency planning and NEPA practices, organizational structure, the National Parks Air Tour Management Act, and related regulations and guidance concerning natural resources, aviation, air and space transportation, air mobility, UAVs, and related activities such as military overflights.
Knowledge of planning and project analysis techniques, including gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information; analyzing impacts to wilderness and natural and cultural resources; analyzing cumulative environmental impacts; formulating management alternatives; and developing mitigation measures.
Knowledge of and ability to research, interpret, and apply environmental regulations and legislation, including the NPS Organic Act of 1916, the Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, state environmental quality acts, and relevant Executive Orders.
Knowledge of state and local rules and legislation that may affect park lands and areas under NPS jurisdiction.
Knowledge of NPS Management Policies, including sections 4.9 Soundscape Management and 4.10 Lightscape Management, and Director's Order 47, Soundscape Preservation and Noise Management.
Knowledge of park resource management and biological and physical science principles and practices sufficient to understand the relationship between environmental compliance program goals and park management mandates.
Knowledge of related NPS programs subject to environmental compliance requirements.
Knowledge of NPS programs sufficient to represent the Service's position on controversial environmental issues to state and federal agency representatives, special interest groups, and the public at meetings and conferences.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Experience using Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Monitor internal and external proposals, projects, and proposed actions to identify opportunities for division review.
Provide technical comments that strengthen protection of natural sound and night sky resources in national parks.
Synthesize scientific, policy, and operational considerations into actionable recommendations to help parks minimize acoustic noise and artificial light at night.
Support division actions related to the National Parks Air Tour Management Act.
Evaluate effects of proposed alternatives on the acoustic and photic environment.
Facilitate and document alternatives or mitigation methods for planned actions.
Conduct project reviews and coordinate consultations, including public involvement.
Schedule and facilitate planning conversations and manage internal communications.
Facilitate communications for public access and education.
Facilitate and document identification of the purpose and need for action.
Establish and coordinate project schedules.
Maintain the administrative record.