Environmental Specialist II

Introduction

The mission of the Division of Transportation Solutions is to provide excellence in transportation by developing, constructing and maintaining the State's infrastructure in a manner that results in a safe, cost-effective, and efficient multi-modal transportation network that enhances mobility commerce, and livability. In addition, Transportation Solutions provides high quality support services to other divisions in the department.

The Delaware Department of Transportation is looking to fill a position in their Environmental Stewardship Office. The position will perform plan reviews, draft permit applications and environmental documents with regards to wetlands, rare, threatened and endangered species and other natural resources located in the project limits of highway maintenance and capital construction projects. Duties also include performing field work for biological surveys, lead the pollinator program, as well as technical report writing.

Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible to be promoted to the next level.

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

• Knowledge of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• 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.