General Description
Performs highly complex (senior-level), broad-based environmental reviews of TWDB-funded projects. The Environmental Protection Specialist plays an essential role in advancing TWDB’s mission of providing financial assistance for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas , safe and reliable wastewater collection and treatment, and effective flood management. Projects financed by the TWDB range from small, disadvantaged water systems to large-scale regional projects. Each of these projects undergoes an environmental review process to evaluate potential impacts and ensure those projects are environmentally sound and comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and TWDB administrative rules. Work includes evaluating environmental reports and related documents, including coordination with federal and state regulatory agencies, and reviewing associated engineering reports, plans and specifications, and other project-related materials. Makes recommendations for conditions to help avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential impacts and prepare environmental determinations for projects. May train others and may supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to a Regional Team Manager in the Regional Water Project Development (RWPD) Division.
Essential Job Functions
Coordinates with and advises TWDB’s customers and their consultants on the level of environmental review required for proposed projects and associated requirements, including informing them of potentially required coordination, surveys, assessments, or investigations needed to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental requirements.
Coordinates with TWDB staff and other state, federal, and regulatory agencies and various groups on environmental issues as they pertain to TWDB-funded projects.
Evaluates the potential impact of project activities in one or more of the following areas: noise pollution, air and water quality, wetlands, hazardous materials, socioeconomic areas, biological resources, geological areas, and/or cultural or historic resources. Reviews coordination from regulatory agencies and recommends conditions intended to minimize, avoid, or mitigate potential impacts.
Reviews project-related documents, including environmental assessments, archeological and biological survey reports, coordination with regulatory agencies, environmental information documents, environmental site assessments, environmental findings issued by other agencies, and other project-related documents.
Works closely with the RWPD teams, environmental review workgroup, and other staff to ensure consistency of review policies and procedures.
Follows processes consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and state-level environmental review requirements and reviews projects to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other state and federal regulations.
Reviews project-related funding applications and engineering documents.
Conducts archeological and environmental file and literature searches and data analyses.
Prepares, amends, and adopts state and NEPA level environmental determinations.
Provides guidance and professional advice to TWDB management on cultural resources management, waters of the United States, endangered species issues, floodplains, and other issues related to cultural or natural resources.
Works closely with environmental and engineering consultants, as well as local, state, and federal representatives throughout the course of each project.
Provides guidance and recommendations to stakeholders, including potential financial assistance applicants and recipients on compliance with program requirements.
Prepares written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
Represents the agency at assigned engagements, including meetings with state and federal agencies and representatives from other political subdivisions of the state.
Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with interdisciplinary course work in Natural Sciences, Archeology, Water Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, or Hydrology.
Five years of relevant work experience in natural science, archeology or a closely related field.
Experience with writing, proofreading, and editing complex technical documents.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Natural Sciences or Archeology.
Two years of field experience.
Experience in flood related work and/or working on flood related projects.
Relevant professional certifications or qualifications.
