Environmental Protection Specialist

Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Regional Environmental Protection program expert responsible for ensuring compliance with NEPA, FTA environmental procedures (23 CFR part 771), and related Federal laws during the execution of the Federal transit program.

• Meet with staff of other federal agencies to discuss environmental processes, issues, and opportunities for expediting project delivery.
• Represent FTA in interagency environmental activities and work groups to develop improved relationships, consultation procedures, and mitigation concepts, thereby streamlining the environmental review process while maintaining appropriate protections.
• Ensure compliance with NEPA, FTA environmental procedures, Clean Air Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other federal environmental laws during execution of the Federal transit program.
• Lead efforts in implementing agency-wide regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines related to impact assessment and mitigation of environmental and community impacts of proposed transit projects and transportation plans.
• Guide the development and preparation of guidance documents, memoranda, website material, and training courses on environmental analysis methods and procedures for transit project development and transportation planning.
• Propose solutions to conflicts during environmental reviews, public meetings/hearings or regulatory/policy development in a timely manner; prepare oral or written briefing material and decision documents for senior officials.
• Assist FTA legal staff in preparing briefs and consulting on litigation related to the environment, using analysis, critical thinking, and problem solving for environmental issues, completion of regional environmental document reviews, and preparation of documents to support litigation if necessary.
• Guide FTA staff and project sponsors through NEPA and other environmental processes for proposed transit projects.

General Requirements: U.S. citizenship.

Required Experience (GS-12 and above): At least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the specified grade level, including:

• Experience working with project sponsors/recipients, local and state agencies, and other federal agencies in compliance with NEPA and other environmental laws and regulations as they relate to transit/transportation projects.
• Experience applying environmental statutes, laws, regulations, and guidelines related to analyzing environmental impacts, preparing environmental documents for transit/transportation projects.
• Experience reviewing and analyzing environmental impacts associated with transit/transportation projects in compliance with NEPA, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 4(f), and mitigating those impacts.
• Experience communicating effectively (orally and in writing) with internal and external subject matter specialists to ensure project compliance with NEPA and other environmental requirements, preparing correspondence, reports, and memos for consultation, technical assistance, and policy guidance, and conveying technical information to stakeholders.

For GS-12 applicants:
Experience performing project development activities and working with project sponsors/recipients, local and state agencies, and other federal agencies in compliance with NEPA and other environmental laws and regulations, including Section 4(f), as they relate to transit/transportation projects.

For GS-13 applicants:
In addition to GS-12 requirements, experience managing, preparing, reviewing, and providing technical assistance for transit/transportation projects that require NEPA review (categorical exclusion, environmental assessment, or environmental impact statement) from beginning to conclusion, including mitigation and all consultation with agencies such as the State Historic Preservation Officer, USFWS, USACE, and federally recognized tribes.

This job does not require any educational qualification.

Travel may be required; a government contractor‑issued travel card may be issued for official business.

Background security investigation is required; successful completion is required for appointment.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and the number of hours worked.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

The Department of Transportation and its operating administrations do not request applicants' criminal history records before a conditional offer of employment. Certain positions are exempt from the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation may submit a written complaint to the Department via email.