Environmental Specialist II

State of North Carolina • North Wilkesboro, NC

14h

About The Position

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation. Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. This position will serve as a member of the Division 11 Environmental Team, under direction of Division Environmental Program Supervisor and has the responsibility for ensuring that appropriate compliance with federal and state environmental laws and regulations is followed in transportation studies, avoidance and minimization guidelines are adhered to, mitigation is provided for unavoidable impacts, and the necessary environmental permits are applied for, received and complied with during construction of the project. In addition, the Team serves as the Division's point of contact with state and federal agencies for all Division projects on topics related to jurisdictional determination, NEPA/SEPA requirements, permitting and environmental compliance. This position is responsible for conducting field inspections, scheduling meetings with appropriate personnel, and coordinating and overseeing private consulting firms. Applicant should have knowledge of the principles of natural and environmental science as they apply to transportation planning and environmental assessment is essential. The knowledge of wetland systems, biological communities, and the relationship of highways and highway development to streams and wildlife are also important. Applicant should have knowledge of techniques and methods employed in conducting ecological field inventories, stream delineations, wetland delineations, and protected species surveys. Applicant should have the ability to solve problems, resolve conflicts and to apply critical thinking to complex environmental issues are extremely important qualities for a position that will be reviewing staff recommendations that will affect expenditures on critical highway projects. Applicant should also have the ability to communicate effectively; be competent in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel and have a familiarity with ArcGIS, MicroStation, and the use of handheld GPS data logger.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles of natural and environmental science as they apply to transportation planning and environmental assessment is essential.
• Knowledge of wetland systems, biological communities, and the relationship of highways and highway development to streams and wildlife are also important.
• Knowledge of techniques and methods employed in conducting ecological field inventories, stream delineations, wetland delineations, and protected species surveys.
• Ability to solve problems, resolve conflicts and to apply critical thinking to complex environmental issues are extremely important qualities for a position that will be reviewing staff recommendations that will affect expenditures on critical highway projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Familiarity with ArcGIS, MicroStation, and the use of handheld GPS data logger.
• Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of natural resource conservation principles and state and federal environmental regulations that affect construction work including NC Environmental Policy Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
• Demonstrated ability to schedule and complete the review of technical projects, preparation of permit applications, and environmental documentation as required by state and federal laws.
• Experience conducting natural resource field evaluations including stream and wetland delineations and threatened and endangered species surveys.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and direct environmental compliance needs and issues on construction projects using sound and consistent judgement.
• Experience being a liaison and interacting with external organizations, groups, or agencies.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring that appropriate compliance with federal and state environmental laws and regulations is followed in transportation studies
• Adhering to avoidance and minimization guidelines
• Providing mitigation for unavoidable impacts
• Applying for, receiving, and complying with the necessary environmental permits during construction of the project
• Serving as the Division's point of contact with state and federal agencies for all Division projects on topics related to jurisdictional determination, NEPA/SEPA requirements, permitting and environmental compliance
• Conducting field inspections
• Scheduling meetings with appropriate personnel
• Coordinating and overseeing private consulting firms

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level