21116 - Natural Resource Spec Sr

Virginia Department of Transportation • Salem, VA

6d • $65,198 - $105,946

About The Position

To support VDOT construction and maintenance programs and to protect the natural environment by providing sound engineering and environmental consultation and services.

Requirements

• Ability to apply civil engineering and environmental sciences in the design of wetlands, stream restoration, erosion and sediment control and BMPs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
• Ability to develop strategies to avoid, minimize and compensate for environmental impacts.
• Ability to plan, organize and work on multiple task concurrently.
• Ability to prepare conceptual designs and special contract provisions.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply environmental laws and regulations to transportation projects.
• Ability to work with the public on environmental issues.
• Knowledge of NEPA, water quality permits, wetlands, stream stabilization, erosion and sediment control and storm water management laws, regulations and permit processes.
• Knowledge of civil engineering, erosion and sediment control and storm water management.
• Knowledge of environmental sciences, wetland sciences, and aquatic ecology, fisheries, hydrology, hydraulics and soil sciences.
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of solid waste and hazardous materials, threatened and endangered species, pollution prevention, and cultural resources laws, regulations and permit processes.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
• Skill in wetland delineation, soil taxonomy and plant identification, aquatic macro benthic identification and biological sampling protocols.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, local transportation, environmental rules, regulations, policies and practices.
• Experience in the application of environmental requirements to transportation or similar operations.
• Experience in wetland delineation and permitting.
• Experience reading highway engineering plans.
• Experience working with project proponents to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
• Training and experience in construction inspection, asbestos safety awareness and hazard communications.

Nice To Haves

• A combination of training, experience or education in environmental science, natural sciences, forestry, biology, chemistry, geology, hydrology or related field desired.
• DEQ: Inspector for Erosion Sediment Control (ESC IN)
• Knowledge of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, 1987 COE Wetland Delineation Manual, wetland ecology and management.
• Progressively responsible experience managing complex projects in the transportation engineering and construction industry.
• Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) or Professional Wetlands Scientist (PWS) designation.

Responsibilities

• Develop wetland mitigation strategies, including the design of wetland compensation sites to facilitate the permitting of transportation projects.
• Identify potential mitigation alternatives and perform site selection in project development process.
• Study potential mitigation sites to evaluate feasibility, cost effective and constructability.
• Develop conceptual and final design, vegetation schedule, typical sections, outlet control structures, construction and vegetation notes, monitoring requirements and special provisions to facilitate construction of mitigation site.
• Design wetlands, stream and riparian restoration alternatives to meet permit requirements.
• Represent VDOT in resolving water quality permit issues and conditions with local, state and federal agencies throughout the project development process to ensure timely issuance of water quality permits.
• Act as Environmental Liaison, providing guidance throughout project development and construction processes regarding environmental, design and constructability issues.
• Provide expert technical advice to construction and maintenance personnel regarding on-going projects and activities to remain environmentally compliant on projects.
• Maintain knowledge of state and federal water quality laws and regulations to facilitate development of transportation projects.
• Provide leadership and environmental and engineering guidance district-wide related to design, water quality, erosion and sediment control, SWM, BMPs, and endangered and threatened species.
• Support project development and construction processes consistent with environmental regulations, policies, procedures and project schedules.
• Monitor and update CEDAR software program.
• Manage water quality portion of the district environmental program.
• Manage projects that have significant or complex water quality related issues to meet advertisement schedules.
• Coordinate or conduct water quality field studies or surveys, biological impact studies and wetland delineations early in the project development process.
• Plan for and develop avoidance and minimization alternatives for environmental resources in the scoping phase of project development.
• Provide quality control for both VDOT and consultant water quality design submittals.
• Oversee development of permit packages.
• Assemble design and environmental data and prepare permit applications consistent with ad dates.
• Present projects at the Interagency Coordination Meeting and acquire permits to meet ad schedules.

Benefits

• Pre-employment screenings may include: Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check, DMV Record Check, Work History Verification, References, Pre-employment physical, Drug screen.

What This Job Offers

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