Environmental Protection Specialist- DIRECT HIRE

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience guiding external stakeholders in fulfilling their NEPA and NEPA-related responsibilities for proposed surface transportation projects by providing guidance and advice on procedural or technical matters, and by performing reviews of impact assessments or analyses for major capital projects.

Experience providing leadership in implementing agency-wide (or equivalent) regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, or training related to the analysis or mitigation of the environmental impacts of proposed surface transportation projects, including assessment of impacts in various environmental areas.

Experience leading reviews to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements under multiple environmental impact areas, such as NEPA, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act or the Endangered Species Act.

To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience serving as a senior technical authority or program advisor to guide external stakeholders in fulfilling the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and NEPA-related obligations for surface transportation projects under the Federal environmental review process.

Experience leading the development and implementation of agency-wide (or equivalent) regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, or training related to the analysis or mitigation of the environmental impacts for proposed surface transportation projects, including assessment of various environmental areas. Experience reviewing and critiquing regulatory proposals related to environmental issues and preparing written recommendations or comments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Technical Credibility- Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.

Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience. Problem Solving - Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.

For all types of consideration, 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

As an Environmental Protection Specialist: The specific duties of the position that will be filled with this announcement differ depending on the Division: Office of Environmental Policy and Programs, Project Review and Advancement Division (TPE-31): Provides policy direction, guidance, and training to FTA Regional Offices and project sponsors on the implementation of NEPA and related legislation and environmental requirements, and on the efficient management of the environmental review process.

Office of Environmental Policy and Programs, Environmental Technical Analysis Division (TPE-32): Provides policy direction, guidance, and training to FTA Regional Offices and project sponsors on the technical analysis for specific environmental resource areas, including historic preservation and cultural resources; water quality, wetlands and other Clean Water Act issues; transportation conformity and other Clean Air Act issues; threatened and endangered species and habitat, fish and wildlife; noise and vibration; hazardous waste and brownfields; coastal zones and coastal barrier protection; and real property acquisition.

In TPE-31 and TPE-32, duties will include interpretation of legislation and statutory language and may include development of innovative tools to expedite reviews under environmental requirements. The ideal candidate for this position is a career professional experienced in applying NEPA and related laws and regulations to surface transportation projects. Experience in NEPA, Section 106, and the Endangered Species Act is strongly desired.

Experience working with environmental statutes, regulations, and policies is desirable as well. Candidates should have the skills and experience to work collaboratively and productively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, manage projects, and handle multiple competing priorities, issues, and projects simultaneously.