24-54 - Environmental Protection Specialist III

Company DescriptionThe mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.Job DescriptionOnly applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system. Texas Water Development Board’s Mission - Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee benefits and more, visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities. ***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***General DescriptionPerforms highly complex (senior-level), broad-based environmental reviews of TWDB-funded projects. The Environmental Protection Specialist plays an essential role in advancing TWDB’s mission of providing financial assistance for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas , safe and reliable wastewater collection and treatment, and effective flood management. Projects financed by the TWDB range from small, disadvantaged water systems to large-scale regional projects. Each of these projects undergoes an environmental review process to evaluate potential impacts and ensure those projects are environmentally sound and comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and TWDB administrative rules. Work includes evaluating environmental reports and related documents, including coordination with federal and state regulatory agencies, and reviewing associated engineering reports, plans and specifications, and other project-related materials. Makes recommendations for conditions to help avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential impacts and prepare environmental determinations for projects. May train others and may supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to a Regional Team Manager in the Regional Water Project Development (RWPD) Division.Essential Job FunctionsCoordinates with and advises TWDB’s customers and their consultants on the level of environmental review required for proposed projects and associated requirements, including informing them of potentially required coordination, surveys, assessments, or investigations needed to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental requirements.Coordinates with TWDB staff and other state, federal, and regulatory agencies and various groups on environmental issues as they pertain to TWDB-funded projects.Evaluates the potential impact of project activities in one or more of the following areas: noise pollution, air and water quality, wetlands, hazardous materials, socioeconomic areas, biological resources, geological areas, and/or cultural or historic resources. Reviews coordination from regulatory agencies and recommends conditions intended to minimize, avoid, or mitigate potential impacts.Reviews project-related documents, including environmental assessments, archeological and biological survey reports, coordination with regulatory agencies, environmental information documents, environmental site assessments, environmental findings issued by other agencies, and other project-related documents.Works closely with the RWPD teams, environmental review workgroup, and other staff to ensure consistency of review policies and procedures.Follows processes consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and state-level environmental review requirements and reviews projects to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other state and federal regulations.Reviews project-related funding applications and engineering documents.Conducts archeological and environmental file and literature searches and data analyses.Prepares, amends, and adopts state and NEPA level environmental determinations.Provides guidance and professional advice to TWDB management on cultural resources management, waters of the United States, endangered species issues, floodplains, and other issues related to cultural or natural resources.Works closely with environmental and engineering consultants, as well as local, state, and federal representatives throughout the course of each project.Provides guidance and recommendations to stakeholders, including potential financial assistance applicants and recipients on compliance with program requirements.Prepares written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.Represents the agency at assigned engagements, including meetings with state and federal agencies and representatives from other political subdivisions of the state.Maintains confidential and sensitive information.Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.Performs other duties as assigned.QualificationsMinimum QualificationsGraduation from an accredited four-year college or university with interdisciplinary course work in Natural Sciences, Archeology, Water Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, or Hydrology.Five years of relevant work experience in natural science, archeology or a closely related field.Experience with writing, proofreading, and editing complex technical documents.Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.Preferred QualificationsGraduate degree from an accredited college or university in Natural Sciences or Archeology.Two years of field experience.Experience in flood related work and/or working on flood related projects.Relevant professional certifications or qualifications.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to RWPD.Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.Knowledge of vegetation, wildlife, geology, soils, hydrology, and/or archeology of Texas.Knowledge of applicable state or federal environmental protection and historic preservation statutes, their implementing regulations, and related executive orders.Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.Skills in effective facilitation of project development during negotiations with applicants, consultants, and state or federal regulatory agencies.Skills in preparing and maintaining accurate records, reports, documents, correspondence, and meeting deadlines.Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.Ability to be self-motivated and to work under general direction with latitude for use of independent judgment.Ability to manage multiple tasks.Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.Ability and willingness to travel up to 5% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.Ability to train others.Additional InformationAll interested candidates should apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building1700 North Congress Ave., Room 670, Austin, Texas 78701Please contact Human Resources for accommodation requests.Phone: (512) 475-2142Email: HR(AT)twdb.texas.gov