Environmental Specialist II - Climate Change Policy Specialist

Dnrec•Dover, DE

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The DNREC Climate and Sustainability Section is charged with coordinating state actions that reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and improving Delaware’s resiliency to climate change impacts. They use technical assistance, financial incentives, policy development, pilot projects and education initiatives to meet this charge. The Climate Change Policy Specialist supports implementation of Delaware’s Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant and the 2025 Delaware Climate Action Plan with a focus on emissions mitigation policies and analyzing and interpreting greenhouse gas emissions inventory data. This team member also conducts technical analyses of greenhouse gas reduction strategies, emissions modeling, and climate projections while working closely with DNREC staff and external consultants. In addition, this position supports a technical workgroup responsible for developing emissions projections and improving state greenhouse gas modeling.

Requirements

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Planning, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Science, Architectural History/Historic Preservation, Archaeology/Anthropology, or related field.
One year experience in performing environmental specialist work which includes the analysis and assessment of environmental and/or cultural impacts of projects and/or programs.
One year experience in analyzing and evaluating data.
One year experience in technical report writing.
One year experience in ensuring compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
Six months’ experience in environmental project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating environmental projects to ensure objectives are met.

Responsibilities

Performs environmental specialist work in an environmental specialty area such as wildlife/endangered species, wetlands and vegetation, noise, air quality, civil rights, architecture/historic properties, and archaeology sites.
Provides guidance and technical assistance to engineering and project personnel, representatives from local, state and federal agencies, and project stakeholders to incorporate environmental and sociocultural considerations into project and/or program activities.
Ensures that State project and/or program plans, construction and maintenance are all in compliance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations related to water quality, wetlands, air quality, noise, wildlife, civil rights, historic preservation, and recreational sites.
Conducts research, field studies and evaluations for compliance with regulatory requirements; observes, collects, analyzes, reviews and interprets data, technical reports, and regulatory submissions to make recommendations on project and/or program alternatives.
Prepares technical reports, documentation on consultation efforts, project effect documentation, permits, and Memorandums of Agreement.
Coordinates and negotiates with local, state and federal regulatory agencies to obtain necessary permits or approvals and ensure project delivery of proposed construction related activities that may affect environmental or cultural resources.
Makes recommendations and negotiates mitigation efforts with project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders; ensures these commitments are met.
Meets with engineering and other project personnel, state agency personnel, project stakeholders and regulatory agencies to resolve resource compliance issues and keep project/programs moving to completion.
Formulates plans and policies to preserve and enhance the social and natural environment.
May meet with community leaders, special interest groups, resource agencies, the general public, or other affected parties to provide outreach and education on environmental impacts, mitigation, and environmental stewardship using a variety of forums such as seminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, assessments, and analytical reports.
May review draft environmental or cultural legislation proposals, regulations, or rule changes and provide comments regarding the proposed changes as they relate to the development of projects and/or programs.