Natural Resource Specialist Senior

Title: Natural Resource Specialist Senior State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II Hiring Range: $65,198 - $105,946 Pay Band: 5 Agency: VA Dept of Transportation Location: Bristol District Office Agency Website: https://www.
jobs.
virginia.
gov/home Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties Would you like to build a career in environmental management at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), an employer that will offer you long-term career opportunities? The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Bristol District is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist Senior.
This position will support VDOT construction and maintenance programs and protect the natural environment by providing sound engineering and environmental consultation and services.
As a Natural Resource Specialist Senior you will: - Provide leadership and environmental guidance district-wide related to design, water quality, permitting, 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 projects that have significant or complex water quality related issues to meet advertisement schedules.
- 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.
- 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 consultant permit packages.
Prepare permit applications consistent with ad dates.
Present projects at the Interagency Coordination Meeting and acquire permits to meet ad schedules.
- Assist in the development of 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.
- Provide engineering and technical advice to the district and residency staff as a certified erosion and sediment control inspector.
Review and process borrow and disposal sites and ensure they are in compliance with VDOT policies and procedures.
Inspect construction sites for compliance with the ES Control regulations.
- Conduct on-site inspections of both maintenance and construction projects to ensure the project is in compliance with and meeting the commitments outlined in the water quality permits.
Minimum Qualifications - Experience in the application of environmental requirements to transportation or similar operations.
- Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local transportation and environmental rules, regulations, policies and practices.
- Training and experience in construction inspection, such as asbestos safety awareness and hazard communications.
- Experience working with project proponents to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts.
- Experience reading highway engineering plans.
- Experience in wetland delineation and permitting.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
- Ability to communicate with diverse audiences clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of eastern U.
S.
flora and fauna with emphasis on southwestern Virginia.
- Experience coordinating and/or performing T&E species habitat assessments and surveys for various species including plants, insects, fish, mussels, bats, etc Additional Considerations - Progressively responsible experience managing complex projects in the transportation engineering and construction industry.
- Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) or Professional Wetlands Scientist (PWS) designation.
- Knowledge of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, 1987 COE Wetland Delineation Manual, wetland ecology and management.
- Department of Environmental Quality Erosion and Sediment Control Inspectors certification.
Special Instructions You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully.
Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.
m.
on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Job Board.
The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided in the application and optional resume; therefore, those who fully represent their qualifications and work history will be more successful with obtaining an interview.
Submitting an incomplete application and/or resume lacking job history and relevant experience detail may impact interview eligibility.
State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered.
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted successfully.
Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.
Fingerprint-based background check required.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a DMV and criminal history records check conducted by the Agency.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is designated as essential and as such, all duties associated with this position are required during emergency situations, which may include but are not limited to: inclement weather, disaster response, and emergency operations.
VDOT will determine when essential positions are required to report.
VDOT utilizes a market-based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM.
Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS).
Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability.
If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.
vadars.
org/drs/cpid/PWContact.
aspx, or call DARS at 800- 552-5019.
Contact Information Name: Jessica Meyer Phone: 276-696-3292 Email: jessica.
meyer@vdot.
virginia.
gov In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI).
Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.
Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.
Equal Opportunity Employer