Environmental Protection Specialist (Nepa Specialist)

National Park Service • Portland, OR

9d

About The Position

The Environmental Protection Specialist serves as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Specialist for the National Park Service (NPS), Washington Area Support Office, Partnerships and Civic Engagement Directorate, Land and Water Conservation Fund Division. The position ensures that the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program complies with NEPA and that funded projects adhere to applicable federal environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The position also supports outdoor recreation grant projects, including LWCF and ORLP projects, and works with state administrators, NPS staff, tribal nations, and other stakeholders.

The position is at the GS-13 grade level. Qualification requires at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level, with experience covering environmental regulation, laws and regulations, environmental program administration and evaluation, environmental sciences and effects of actions on the environment, and historic, cultural, and natural resources. Education cannot substitute for experience. The position may be filled as a temporary promotion or detail depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and current grade. A one-year probationary period may be required. Occasional travel from home of up to two nights per month may be required. Work is primarily in an office or meeting setting; duties are suitable for telework with supervisor approval.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or nationality.
• Meet the GS-13 specialized-experience requirement: at least one full year of experience equivalent to GS-12 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the public or private sector.
• Specialized experience must demonstrate understanding of the philosophy underlying environmental regulation; knowledge of environmental laws and regulations and environmental program planning, funding, organization, administration, and evaluation; practical knowledge of environmental sciences, effects of actions and technology on the environment, pollution prevention or reduction, and environmental factors affecting human health and well-being; and practical knowledge of historic, cultural, and natural resources and their relationship to environmental protection.
• Education may not be substituted for the required experience.
• Current federal employees must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements. Applicants must document hours worked as directed in the announcement.
• Appointment is subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Participation in Direct Deposit is required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• A one-year probationary period may be required; continued employment beyond the period requires written agency certification.
• Must meet all qualifications by the announcement closing date, November 3, 2026, unless otherwise stated.

Responsibilities

• Lead NEPA compliance reviews for LWCF and ORLP outdoor recreation grant projects, ensuring alignment with federal environmental laws.
• Develop NEPA training materials and guidance for state administrators and NPS staff.
• Evaluate Environmental Assessments, contractor-generated biological reports, and environmental screening tools, and facilitate approval of NEPA decision documents.
• Conduct government-to-government consultation with federally recognized tribal nations on behalf of the NPS LWCF Program and facilitate consultation for complex or controversial projects.
• Prepare NEPA and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act decision documents, including Determinations of Effect letters and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and facilitate approval by the appropriate official.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, including SHPO, THPO, city, state, and federal representatives, to resolve complex issues and address potential adverse effects.
• Review applications for federal financial assistance for compliance with NEPA, NHPA, and other federal regulations.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered to eligible candidates at the agency’s discretion; it is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed