Summary This is a public notice for FTA authorized Environmental Protection Specialist (0028) positions open to U.S. Citizens. Positions may be announced for GS- 09-11-12-13 to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 2021. This position is located in a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Office. Responsibilities As a Environmental Protection Specialist, you will: Represent FTA in interagency environmental activities and workgroups for the primary purpose of developing improved interagency relationships and consultation procedures, improved environmental review and analysis methods, and improved mitigation concepts, and thereby streamlining the environmental review process to expedite project delivery while maintaining appropriate environmental protections. Ensure the compliance with NEPA, FTA’s environmental procedures (23 CFR part 771), the Clean Air Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, metropolitan and statewide transportation planning, economic, social, and environmental interests, Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, and other Federal environmental laws during execution of the Federal transit program. Lead efforts in implementing agency-wide regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines related to the impact Assessment and mitigation of the environmental and community impacts of proposed transit projects and transportation plans. Guide the development and preparation of guidance documents and memoranda, website material, and training courses on environmental analysis methods and procedures for transit project development and transportation planning for use by environmental and transportation planners throughout the region. Assist FTA legal staff in preparing briefs and consulting on litigation related to the environment. Use analysis, critical thinking and problem solving for environmental issues completion The ideal candidate will have experience with environmental project management and preparation of environmental documents; demonstrated ability to analyze project needs and impacts in environmental planning, and urban and regional transportation planning; and has knowledge of environmental laws, the environmental review process and principles of project development while promoting the FTA mission. NOTE: If selected to interview for this position, candidates will participate in a structured interview process and will be given a topic to use to draft a writing sample. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: This position may be eligible for occasional and/or regularly scheduled telework. The number of telework days approved will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). Qualifications 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 9, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-7, it must include: Experience in applying methods, concepts, principles, and practices to perform research, studies, or analysis to inform environmental documents required by the National Environmental Policy Act or other related laws, regulations, or policy. OR Substitution of Education: A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. To qualify for the Grade 11, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-9, it must include: Experience working both independently and as a team member using environmental analyses to identify and mitigate the potential impacts of transportation or other projects. OR Substitution of Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, it must include: Experience in reviewing and analyzing environmental impacts that occur with transit/transportation projects in compliance with NEPA, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 4(f), and in mitigating those impacts. AND Experience working and communicating effectively (orally and in writing) with internal and external subject matter specialties (e.g., planning and engineering) to ensure project compliance with NEPA and other environmental requirements; preparing correspondence, reports and memos for consultation, technical assistance, and policy guidance; and conveying technical information to a variety of stakeholders. At this grade level, you must have experience. 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 performing project development activities and working with project sponsors/recipients, local and state agencies, and other federal agencies in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental laws and regulations, including Section 4(f), as they relate to transit/transportation projects. Experience applying environmental statutes, laws, regulations, guidelines, and the federal environmental review processes incompliance with NEPA, including the Clean Air Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, and other environmental laws, regulations, and policies, as they relate to Federal environmental requirements in preparing environmental documents for transit/transportation projects. Experience in managing, preparing, reviewing, and providing technical assistance for transit/transportation projects that require any level of NEPA review (i.e., categorical exclusion, environmental assessment and/or an environmental impact statement) from beginning to conclusion and including mitigation and all consultation, such as with the State Historic Preservation Officer, USFWS, USACE, and Federally recognized tribes. At this grade level, you must have experience. 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: Environmental Laws, Rules, Regulations and Guidelines- Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply Federal statutes, laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) related to analyzing environmental impacts, protecting the environment, and preparing environmental documents for transit projects; understanding of the interrelationship between the applicable requirements; ability to find, read, and interpret requirements and guide the grantee to meet FTA’s and the grantee’s responsibilities for the environmental review of proposed transit projects. Assessment of Environmental and Community Impacts- Comprehensive knowledge of assessment methods for environmental and community impacts analysis that occur with construction of transit/transportation projects, and knowledge of means of mitigating those impacts. Ability to prepare, review and apply guidance on environmental impact assessment on complex issues for transit projects. Awareness of current or emerging methods or information on environmental or community impact assessment. Ability to review technical recommendations from the environmental perspective as well as from the perspective of others in the field. Urban and Regional Transportation Planning - Comprehensive knowledge of Federal statutes, rules, regulations and guidelines pertaining to urban and regional transportation planning. Ability to find, understand, and apply guidance pertaining to urban and regional transportation planning to the development and approval of transit projects for FTA funding. Problem Solving and Communication – Strong ability to recognize possible conflicts during environmental reviews, public meetings/hearings or regulatory/policy development and propose strategies for solution. Strong ability to interpret and translate the rules and regulations into sound, legally adequate compliance documents that anticipate and respond to concerns and potential challenges. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Project Management (transit/transportation) - Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply the principles, methods, and tools for scheduling, coordinating, and managing NEPA document preparation and review as an integral part of project development and management, including monitoring and evaluating scope of work, quality assurance, timelines, and contractor performance. Comprehensive knowledge of how transit/transportation systems are planned, managed, operated, and used by the public. 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. Education Additional Information The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager.