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:Chatham Complex

Agency Website:https://www.jobs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Are you driven by environmental preservation? Are you driven by the opportunity to manage field projects? VDOT's Senior Natural Resource Specialist is the job for you!

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Lynchburg District is seeking a highly qualified Senior Natural Resource Specialist to join their Environmental team. As the qualified candidate, you will support VDOT construction and maintenance programs and protect the natural environment by providing sound engineering and environmental consultation and services. Specifically, you will:
• Coordinate/conduct water quality field studies or surveys, biological impact studies and wetland delineations early in the project development process.
• Plan for and develop avoidance minimization alternatives for environmental resources in the scoping phase of project development.
• Assemble design and environmental data and prepare permit applications consistent with ad dates.
• 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.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with project proponents to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts.
• Experience in wetland delineation and permitting.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
• Experience reading highway engineering plans.
• Experience in the application of environmental requirements to transportation or similar operations.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, local transportation, environmental rules, regulations, policies and practices.
• Training and experience in construction inspection, asbestos safety awareness and hazard communications.

Additional Considerations

• DEQ: Inspector for Erosion Sediment Control (ESC IN)
• Knowledge of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, 1987 COE Wetland Delineation Manual, wetland ecology and management.
• Progressively responsible experience managing complex projects in the transportation engineering and construction industry.
• A combination of training, experience or education in environmental science, natural sciences, forestry, biology, chemistry, geology, hydrology or related field desired.
• Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) or Professional Wetlands Scientist (PWS) designation.

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: Brandi Baylor

Phone: 540-332-9088

Email: Brandi.Baylor@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.