Natural Resources Specialist Sr

Job Description

**Title:** Natural Resources Specialist Sr

**State Role Title:** Environmental Specialist II

**Hiring Range:** $65,198 – $105,946

**Pay Band:** 5

**Agency:** VA Dept of Transportation

**Location:** Culpeper District Complex

**Agency Website:** www.virginiadot.org/jobs

**Recruitment Type:** General Public – G

**Job Duties**

If you enjoy working outdoors and are driven by a passion for the environment, to protect threatened and endangered species, pollution prevention and the preservation of cultural resources, then the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has a job for you!

VDOT is seeking a Senior Natural Resource Specialist to support our construction and maintenance programs in protecting the natural environment of the Commonwealth by providing sound engineering and environmental consultation and services. Responsibilities include developing strategies to avoid, minimize, and compensate for environmental impacts related to transportation projects, and working with internal and public stakeholders on environmental issues in compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Will apply engineering and environmental sciences in the design of wetlands, stream restoration, erosion and sediment control and BMPs.

**Why Choose VDOT:**

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDOT offers core benefits including competitive health and life insurance programs, pre-tax spending accounts, and leave programs. A State Retirement Plan; tax-deferred Retirement Savings Plan with employer matching provision; and a Short and Long-Term Disability Program funded by the State are also available. Miscellaneous benefits include paid holidays, training and tuition assistance programs, wellness programs, and more!

VDOT employees have Shared Values and abide by a Code of Ethics. Our culture includes teamwork, transparency, learning, creativity, collaboration, and work that values differences. We encourage all who apply to review our values and ethics. (View our Values & Ethics here: http://www.virginiadot.org/abouUmissionandvalues.asp). If you share these values, we invite you to apply!

**Minimum Qualifications**

* Experience working with project proponents to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts.
* Experience in wetland delineation and permitting.
* Considerable knowledge of federal, state, local transportation, environmental rules, regulations, policies and practices.
* Experience reading highway engineering plans.
* Experience in the application of environmental requirements to transportation or similar operations.
* Training and experience in highway maintenance and construction operations.
* DEQ: Inspector for Erosion Sediment Control or higher certification.
* Skill in the use of computers and software applications.

**Additional Considerations**

* Knowledge of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, 1987 COE Wetland Delineation Manual, wetland ecology and management.
* Progressively responsible experience managing routine and complex projects in the Transportation maintenance 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 Virginia Jobs account (**jobs.virginia.gov**) to check the status of your application. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided in the application or optional resume; therefore, those who fully represent their qualifications will be more successful with obtaining an interview. Submitting an incomplete application or resume lacking relevant experience detail may impact interview eligibility. State applications or resumes submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person cannot be considered.

A fingerprint-based background check, references, work history, and DMV driver’s record will be verified prior to employment.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. H1B VISA Sponsorship is not available.

VDOT utilizes a market-based pay program, which has been approved by Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM). Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the published State pay bands.

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.

**Contact Information**

Name: Christina Dennis

Phone: 540-829-7533

Email: christina.dennis@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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. **Equal Opportunity Employer**