Job ID: 26865
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning and Engineering
Location: Pierre
Salary: $25.38 - $38.70 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: ES1 - ES3
Closing Date: 05/08/2024

This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit https://dot.sd.gov/ .

Introduction:
Ready for a rewarding career that provides exciting and meaningful work? Looking for a place that values innovation and teamwork? In need of schedules and benefits that make it possible to both support and enjoy your family?

As a member of our close-knit team, you will experience meaningful, exciting, and empowering work every day, all while maintaining balance with your personal life. That's because the South Dakota Department of Transportation puts our employees first in everything we do. With generous PTO policies and 11 paid holidays, you can advance your career and still have time to make memories with friends and family. Our team members receive on-the-job training and some of the best benefits available, with 6% matching retirement contributions and health insurance options that include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan.

Keep the most important things in your life your top priority with a long-term career that makes it possible.

Benefits you won't find anywhere else:

• 6% matching retirement funding
• Accruable sick leave and vacation leave
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• On-the-job training
• Advancement paths for all positions
• Flexible scheduling
• HSA and low and high deductible health insurance plans

Job Description:
The Environmental Office is seeking a NEPA Coordinator to conduct environmental reviews and coordinate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures, to environmental resources, through transportation planning, design, project construction, and beyond. The NEPA Coordinator will work closely with other scientists, biologists, designers, and engineers.

Typical 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. In-state travel with occasional overnight stays is required. Work activities will be predominately in an office environment with occasions in an outdoor environment.

What You Bring to the SDDOT:

• a growth mindset;
• vision and creativity;
• a team-oriented attitude;
• a confident, action-oriented personality;
• attention to detail and a passion for organization;
• a commitment to fostering high ethical standards;
• environmental stewardship.

What the SDDOT Offers:

• Health insurance (zero-cost premium plan, low and high deductible plans, and single and family plans)
• Well-being program
• Employee assistance program
• Dental
• Vision
• Health savings account
• Free basic life insurance policy
• Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System with partial state match
• Paid leave (15 vacation days per year)
• Sick leave (14 days per year)
• Paid family leave (12 weeks for birth and adoption of child, equivalent to 40 hours per week)
• Military leave (15 days per year)
• 11 paid holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Semimonthly Pay periods
• Eligibility for meal per diems
• Flexible scheduling
• Paid overtime (if applicable)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• conduct reviews of transportation projects to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and permitting processes related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are carried out and documented;
• lead the preparation of NEPA documents in order to communicate scientific and technical information to the public, state, and federal agencies using experience preparing Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and Categorical Exclusions (CE);
• promote environmental stewardship.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related Federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations and permitting requirements, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and other compliance regulations under NEPA;
• environmental planning and environmental sciences such as biological resources, physical resources, and social resources;
• practices and principles of project management;
• Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, & PowerPoint) and proficiency with GIS;
• Department of Transportation policies and procedures (preferred but not required).

Skills:

• perform research, conduct environmental analyses, develop recommendations, and prepare technical reports under NEPA;
• prepare NEPA documentation including environmental impact statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), Categorical Exclusions (CE);
• develop a written document with accurate spelling, rules of composition, grammar, and content;
• effectively maintain concise files and records;
• establish and maintain inter-Agency and interdisciplinary relationships;
• effectively manage projects from concept through completion;
• coordinate project work with other departments, regulatory/resource agencies, and local governments to ensure issues identified are adequately communicated and addressed.

Abilities:

• demonstrate self-confidence and take action when necessary;
• plan, organize, and prioritize work activities to meet schedules and deadlines;
• interpret, understand, and implement state and federal laws, rules, department standards, policies, and procedures;
• provide technical expertise and research on environmental issues;
• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• coordinate and facilitate meetings with regulatory/resource agencies;
• develop and maintain effective highly professional relationships with coworkers, clients, and various stakeholders;
• promote a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals.

Position Requirements:
Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources Management, Ecology, Sustainability, Environmental Sciences, or Physical/Natural Science related field plus 4-6 years of progressive experience.

Completion of Introduction to NEPA and Transportation Decision-making course (FHWA-NHI-142052). Prior work experience with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and transportation decision-making in a Federal, State, or local permitting occupation will assist the candidate in succeeding in the position.

Have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Compensation:
The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level NEPA Coordinator is approximately $73,356.00 annually.

Qualifications of the successful applicant will determine the environmental scientist classification level assigned.

Salary will be set depending on qualifications. We provide training and certification, transportation, and safety gear to get you started and keep you updated on best practices.

As a requirement for continued employment, you may need to secure further technical training and/or certifications related to this position and its responsibilities.

Join the South Dakota Department of Transportation! View more about this opportunity here: https://youtu.be/WdCQix5wB8A .

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=PKV
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"