Hybrid Project Planner II/III Biologist - Environmental Division at Texas Department of Transportation

TxDOT's Environmental Affairs Division is looking for an Environmental Project Planner II, III – Biologist. Are you a nature-lover?  Are you into ecology, protected species, or other natural resources? Do you have expertise in the state and federal environmental regulations that protect natural resources? Do you enjoy the diversity of working with teams of experts on state-wide projects?  If you think this sounds like you consider joining the Environmental Affairs Division, part of TxDOT’s diverse workforce of over 13,000 employees statewide. At TxDOT we value employee work-life-balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include  flexed and compressed work schedules, wellness leave incentive, in-house fitness center, career development programs, tuition assistance, and various other benefits. For a complete list of our total compensation package, please visit our website at Total Compensation.

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant’s work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EAt TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including: %3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3ERetirement Plans%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EAlternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EPaid Leave and Holidays%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EHealth Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EOn-the-Job Training%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3ETuition Assistance Program%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EHolistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3ECareer Development and Advancement Opportunities%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EFamily-Friendly Policies and Programs %3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3C/ul%3E%0A%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EIn 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E%0A%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EFor a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: %3Ca href=%22https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/hrd/total-compensation.pdf%22 target=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22%3ETotal Compensation Package%3C/a%3E%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E%0A%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3ETo view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: %3Ca href=%22https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance%22 target=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22%3EBenefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)%3C/a%3E%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E
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As an Environmental Project Planner II/III - Biologist, you will be working with the ENV natural resources management team members, other ENV staff, and District staff to coordinate and manage biological and natural resources activities associated with transportation projects for the Department. You will provide subject matter and technical expertise while serving as a liaison with state and federal resource agencies, environmental and special interest groups, consultant staff, and internal project sponsors. You may serve as a species-lead resource for team members, leading or assisting with programmatic efforts, and research activities within and external to the Department in the areas of botanical/zoological resources. You will report to the Section Director of Natural Resources Management. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details; perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred the supervisor.

 

Essential Duties:

Project Planner II

• Prepares and distributes, reviews and approves environmental education material.
• Conducts and/or coordinates field surveys, assessments, and project investigations for incorporation into environmental
  technical studies and environmental documents.
• Assists with development, writing, reviewing, and preparation of contracts, statements of work, work authorizations,
  amendments, supplements, forms, and related documents including spreadsheets and financial/statistical graphs and reports related
  to environmental studies.
• Negotiates contracts, renewals, work authorizations, supplements and amendments related to environmental studies.
• Prepares complex environmental related reports and technical analyses, illustrating data graphically and translating
  complex/technical information into written text.
• Reviews, approves, and/or prepares complex environmental schedules, scopes of work, and deliverables for project
  delivery prepared by department staff and/or consultants for engineering and or scientific services contracts.
• Prepares technical studies, categorical exclusions, and environmental assessments to ensure compliance with applicable
  state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Consults and coordinates with districts project managers, planners, engineers, and environmental staff on refinement of
  projects to avoid and minimize environmental impacts.
• Consults and coordinates with representatives of regulatory agencies, special interest groups, the public, and Department
  personnel related to environmental resources.
• Coordinates and processes permits and licenses with resource and regulatory agencies related to environmental resources.
• Evaluates potential environmental impact of transportation projects on noise, air, hazardous materials, biological,
  water, geological, socioeconomic, environmental justice, protected lands (Section 4(f), Section 6(f), and Chapter 26), and
  cultural (historic and archeological) resources.
• Reviews, evaluates, monitors and/or approves consultant work related to environmental studies.
• Reviews, maintains, and updates an automated project tracking system/database related to environmental projects and
  studies.
• Monitors and researches current and proposed relevant environmental technical studies, laws, regulations, policies, and
  procedures.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Project Planner III - All of the above plus

• Trains Department employees in environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and issues.
  
• Develops, writes, revises, approves, and prepares contracts, statements of work, work authorizations, amendments,
  supplements, forms, and related documents including spreadsheets and financial/statistical graphs and reports related to
  environmental studies.
  
• Manages scientific service contracts to include developing work authorizations and supplemental agreements, processing
  payments and managing budget.
  
• Prepares, reviews, and approves official guidance on environmental rules, regulations and public involvement procedures.
  
• Schedules and coordinates public involvement activities for related environmental/planning projects and
  environmental/planning studies.
  
• Presents information on various environmental programs, projects and activities at public and professional meetings,
  seminars and conferences.
  
• Represents the Department regarding complex environmental issues.
  
• Reviews, approves, and/or prepares complex environmental schedules, scopes of work, and deliverables for project delivery
  prepared by department staff and/or consultants for engineering and or scientific services contracts.
  
• Prepares and presents environmental reports or other information defining project progress, risks, problems, and
  solutions to executives, departmental staff and at public/professional meetings, seminars, and conferences.
  
• Provides technical expertise and guidance to districts and administrative staff related to environmental laws, rules,
  regulations, policies, procedures and issues.

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Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. Experience in environmental, planning, project management or other related fields may be substituted for education on a year per year basis OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Project Planner II

Experience: 3 YEARS environmental, planning, project management or other relevant experience
(Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated parttime equivalent)

Project Planner III

Experience: 5 YEARS environmental, planning, project management or other relevant experience
(Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated parttime equivalent)

Competencies:

Project Planner II

Considerable knowledge of

• Environmental laws, regulations, and mitigation requirements.
• Writing methodologies and strategies to develop and implement appropriate informational and educational materials
  related to environmental studies and activities

Some knowledge of

• Construction, maintenance and operation of transportation facilities
• Researching, analyzing, developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information
  specific to functional area
• Developing, writing, and conducting presentations and speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise,
  organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding.
• Planning, leading, coordinating, monitoring, handling, and establishing goals and objectives for multiple
  environmental programs/projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long term deadlines
• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording
  meeting notes, record keeping and records management
• Using computers, applications including (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat), or related applications and
  systems

Some skill in

• Training in a classroom, office, or field environment

Ability to

• Build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions and negotiating settlement of differences
  without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening techniques to determine other parties' positions in a
  direct and diplomatic manner
• Manage, monitor, evaluate, and report on environmental programs and project activities

Other Attributes

• Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality
  products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that
  support business objectives and goals
• Shows initiative and action beyond what is required to improve products or services; is self-starting and completes
  assignments independently without constant supervision

Project Planner III

Extensive knowledge of

• Writing methodologies and strategies to develop and implement appropriate informational and educational materials
  related to environmental studies and activities
• Environmental laws, regulations, and mitigation requirements.

Considerable knowledge of

• Air quality, archeological resources, biological resources, community impacts, non-archeological historic resources,
  hazardous materials, or water resources management methods and procedures.
• Construction, maintenance and operation of transportation facilities

Expert skill in

• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording
  meeting notes, record keeping and records management
• Using photographic and field equipment applicable to area of responsibility
• Researching, analyzing, developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information
  specific to functional area
• Developing, writing, and conducting presentations and speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise,
  organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding.
• Planning, leading, coordinating, monitoring, handling, and establishing goals and objectives for multiple
  environmental programs/projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long term deadlines

Proficient skill in

• Training in a classroom, office, or field environment
• Using computers, applications including (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat), or related applications and
  systems

Ability to

• Build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions and negotiating settlement of differences
  without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening techniques to determine other parties' positions in a
  direct and diplomatic manner 
• Manage, monitor, evaluate, and report on environmental programs and project activities

Other Attributes

• Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality
  products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that
  support business objectives and goals
• Shows initiative and action beyond what is required to improve products or services; is self-starting and completes
  assignments independently without constant supervision

 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

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TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

*!%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EThe Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.%3C/strong%3E%3C/p%3E%0A%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3E%3Cem%3EIf requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.%3C/em%3E%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E%0A%3Cp style=%22font-family: Arial;%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: %27Calibri%27,sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: %27Times New Roman%27; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;%22%3EPlease click this link to read the information for applicants: %3Ca href=%22https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/hrd/careers/applicant-information.pdf%22 target=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22%3EAdditional Applicant Information%3C/a%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E Apply Now