Environmental Protection Specialist (Nepa Specialist)

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 11/03/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted.

An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. The position may be filled as a temporary promotion or a detail based on the qualifications and current grade of the selected candidate.

There are no qualification requirements for a detail assignment however, employees must meet any positive education/licensure requirements and have experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the major duties of the position. Detail assignments do not include additional or reduced compensation, including locality pay, but benefit from the experience gained, and the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills. Time spent on a detail is not creditable for time-in-grade purposes.

01Experience

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level: You must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).

This entails (1) an understanding of the philosophy underlying environmental regulation; (2) knowledge of environmental laws and regulations; (3) knowledge of the planning, funding, organization, administration, and evaluation of environmental programs; (4) practical knowledge of environmental sciences and related disciplines, the effects of actions and technology on the environment, the means of preventing or reducing pollution, and the relationship between environmental factors and human health and well-being; and (5) practical knowledge of important historic, cultural, and natural resources (including land, vegetation, fish, wildlife, endangered species, forests) and the relationship between the preservation and management of these resources and environmental protection.

You must include hours worked. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

As an Environmental Protection Specialist within the National Park Service (NPS), Washington Area Support Office (WASO), Partnerships and Civic Engagement Directorate (PCE), Land and Water Conservation Fund Division (LWCF). Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Leading NEPA compliance review for LWCF and ORLP outdoor recreation grant projects, ensuring alignment with federal environmental laws.

Developing NEPA training materials and guidance for state administrators and NPS staff. Evaluating Environmental Assessments, contractor-generated biological reports, and environmental screening tools and facilitate approval of NEPA decision documents. Conducting government-to-government consultation with federally recognized tribal nations on behalf of the NPS LWCF Program and facilitate consultation for complex or controversial projects.

Preparing Decision documents for NEPA and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and facilitate approval by appropriate official such as Determination of Effect letters and Findings of No Significant Action (FONSI) documents. Coordinating with stakeholders, including SHPO, THPO, City, State and federal representatives as necessary to resolve complex issues and address potential adverse effects.

Reviewing applications for federal financial assistance for compliance with NEPA, and NHPA and other federal regulations.