RRC - Environmental Protection Specialist V - IIJA Federal Grant Project Coordinator

Job Description

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry; pipeline transport and pipeline safety; natural gas utilities; the LP-gas industry, and surface mining operations. You can find more details about us on the Railroad Commission of Texas' website here https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.

To support our mission to serve Texas, we need great people to join our team. We provide a great working environment along with outstanding benefits, including:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, and at least 12 paid holidays per year
• Telework options for eligible positions
• Flexible work schedules
• Retirement pension with a 150% agency match - you can watch this YouTube video that describes this amazing benefit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJI6M7g73-w
• 401(k), 457(b) and Roth
• Health premiums 100% paid for full-time employees
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness and Exercise Leave
• Career development programs/opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/jobs/. To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit the Employee Retirement Systems website at https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance.

Job Description:

The Railroad Commission of Texas, recognized as a worldwide leader in regulation of oil and gas exploration, seeks an Environmental Protection Specialist V to lead the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Grant Compliance Section of the Oil and Gas Division Field Operations in Austin, Texas. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has awarded a federal grant under the IIJA to plug orphaned oil and gas wells and cleanup abandoned oil and gas sites.

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for agency compliance with applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, and executive orders (EOs) with the primary focus on statues that protect environmental and cultural (historic and archeological) resources.

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) environmental work to coordinate and manage environmental and cultural resources activities associated with federal grant projects. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Please note: This is a grant funded position with funding expected to continue until 9/30/2030.

Essential Job Duties:

• Conducts or coordinates inspections, field surveys, assessments, or monitoring for IIJA plugging or cleanup projects to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal statues, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluates the environmental impact of activities on biological resources or cultural and historic resources.
• Supervises IIJA Grant Compliance Section employees.
• Hires and trains new IIJA Grant Compliance Section employees.
• Develops and communicates process and procedures for grant compliance activities.
• Provide subject matter and technical expertise for IIJA Grant Compliance Section.
• Reviews, evaluates, and monitors contractor work related to environmental surveys and monitoring projects.
• Reviews, maintains, and updates a project tracking system/database related to environmental survey and monitoring projects.
• Coordinates with district office staff on environmental cleanup projects in their district.
• Liaison with DOI for environmental and cultural compliance matters and for project approval.
• Conducts or supervises consultations with federal agencies for Endangered Species Act as necessary.
• Conducts or supervises consultations with State Historic Preservation Officer and Native American tribes for the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Assists DOI Office of Inspector General with audits of grant compliance.
• Prepares complex correspondence, technical reports, and environmental assessments to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities, monitors and evaluates policies and procedures; and directs performance activities.
• Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
• Ensure environmental compliance documentation is complete and available for federal audits.
• Plan, develop, recommend, and implement guidelines, and procedures.
• Performs related work as assigned.

For Military Crosswalk information, please visit: Environmental Protection Specialist (texas.gov)



Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in related field.
• At least five years of cultural, biological, environmental, project management or other relevant experience.
• At least five years of supervisory experience
• Ability to work Monday-Friday, 8AM - 5PM with occasional flexible hours, overtime, weekends, and on-call duty.
• Position requires 25% travel with some overnight travel.
• Valid Texas Driver's license and a good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in consultations with USFWS and/or NOAA for Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
• Experience in consultations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Experience with data within ArcGIS systems.
• At least two years of experience in oil and gas regulatory functions, rules, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and mitigation requirements, pertaining to natural resources.
• Ability to interpret and apply scientific principles and evaluate environmental scientific data.
• Skill in writing methodologies and strategies to develop appropriate informational and educational materials related to environmental studies and activities.
• Ability to research, analyze, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and technical information specific to a functional area.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities; to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to build, establish and maintain working relationships and coalitions while settling differences in direct and diplomatic paths without damaging relationships.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to present technical material to a wide variety of audiences, including the regulated industry, state and federal agencies, and the public.

Work Hours and Telework: Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, as long as it does not adversely affect operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework based on the agency's approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules and telework may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the CAPPS Recruit Prescreening Questionnaire to be considered for the posting. To complete the Prescreening Questionnaire, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

Remarks:

• There is one available position.
• Official transcripts, DD214 or DD1300, copies of license/certifications, or other minimum requirement validations will be requested at the time of the job offer.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS ONLY ACCEPTS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSTING.

Due to the high volume of applications we do not accept telephone calls. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Notifications to applicants are sent electronically to the email address you provide.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age

or disability in employment or in the provision of services.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is a tobacco-free workplace.