Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

The Environmental Protection Specialist:

• Provide advice and expertise to DOT staff and leadership on climate change mitigation, , adaptation and environmental policy. Independently review environmental, climate, and transportation statutes, legislative and regulatory proposals, and executive orders related to the BIL
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert on policy, laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and directives related to NEPA and OA’s project development processes, with a particular focus on projects funded under the BIL Advise stakeholders and Federal and State partner agencies on Federal responsibilities and the requirements of NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), and Operating Administration’s regulations, policies, and guidance.
• Leads and/or advises stakeholders and partner agencies on integrating complex environmental and transportation planning processes and on other approaches to improve the linkages between planning and human and natural environmental issues. Ensure environmental laws are addressed and integrated into the NEPA decision-making process. Ensure the appropriate NEPA classification of a project, i.e., Categorical Exclusion (CE), Environmental Assessment (EA), and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Participates in project-readiness and climate reviews of applications for new BIL grant programs, and reviews notice of funding opportunities to ensure adequate terms addressing climate change.
• Provide leadership and guidance on best practices for planning Elective Vehicle (EV) networking nationally to support the Department’s initiatives to connect communities, towns, businesses, planning agencies and partners on infrastructure projects. Serve as technical advisor on how to reduce carbon through policy directly related to EV and current fuel emissions.
• Review, manage, and make recommendations on the EV charging proposals for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula and Grant Programs. Build relationships and support programs and public-private partnerships to increase the speed of transitioning to EVs and deploying the supporting infrastructure.
• Draft key documents summarizing program strategy and accomplishments, technoeconomic analysis to inform EV activities and initiatives. Support and direct the modeling and analysis of vehicle charging infrastructure and electric grid integration. Communicate with researchers to address questions and issues that arise. Support the scoping of key demonstration and proof of concept for EV charging projects.
• Develop policy and conduct research and analysis on environmental issues in transportation relevant to climate change and related to the BIL. Encourage modal administrations to adopt innovative environmental, climate change, and sustainability partnerships. Support Departmental efforts to ensure consistency with existing environmental laws and regulations while exploring innovative new strategies for transportation project development and delivery in the BIL to address climate change.

The Ideal candidate is a seasoned, motivated, and self-reliant professional who can share their expertise in implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and/or the assessment of environmental policy laws, regulations, decisions and/or proposed legislation on climate change programs/projects and preparing and presenting analytical reports to decision makers.

PLEASE NOTE

: Many vacancies will be filled from this announcement from either Washington, DC, Cambridge, MA or Remote Work which will be determined by the manager.  The difference in the salary is determined by the locality pay in the duty location. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-  

This announcement establishes an open continuous (3 month) vacancy announcement.  Given our continuing need for top professionals in this field, we will review applications on an as needed basis.  We will give equal consideration to all applications we receive.  

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.
• PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• REMOTE WORK: This position may be eligible for Remote Work.  Remote work means the residence is the full-time official duty location. The difference in salary is determined by the locality pay in each location. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/general-schedule/  If selected for a remote work position, you must have access to high speed internet and cell phone service meeting current Agency standards from the approved work location within the Contiguous United States and sign a remote work agreement.
• TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: If selected for this position you maybe eligible for occasional telework and you are required to report to the office on a regular basis. The number of telework days approved is determined by the agency policy, emergency situations, the approval of your immediate supervisor, and if applicable, approval of additional officials.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, it must include: 

• Experience applying environmental standards, methods, and practices to assure full implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental laws, regulations or policy (such as Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, laws concerning archeology, endangered species, noise impacts, project level Air Quality conformity determinations, or Executive Orders);
• Experience preparing and reviewing environmental documents including, but not limited to Environmental Impact Statements (EIS),Environmental Assessments (EA), Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments, Purpose and Needs Statements, Alternative Analyses, etc. impacting EVs (Electronic Vehicles) OR environmental work related to climate change programs, policies, and or projects (e.g., climate mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation, climate resilience, transit, pedestrians, bicycles, electric vehicles, renewable energy, sustainability, embodied carbon, etc.) working with other stakeholders, Federal and/or State agencies to advance environmental protection in accordance with environmental laws, regulations, and standards.

To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: 

• Experience applying environmental standards, methods, and practices to assure full implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related laws such as Section 4(f) of the DOT Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and/or laws concerning archeology, endangered species, noise impacts, project level Air Quality conformity determinations, and Presidential Executive Orders;
• Experience preparing and reviewing environmental documents including, but not limited to Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments, Purpose and Needs Statements, Alternative Analyses, etc.;
• Experience managing teams, defining project goals and objective, and working with other Federal and/or State agencies to resolve complex environmental issues/problems in accordance with NEPA; OR
• Experience in the evaluation and examination of environmental laws, regulations and public policy issues related to electric vehicles and/or climate change (e.g., climate mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation, climate resilience, transit, pedestrians, bicycles, electric vehicles, renewable energy, sustainability, etc.) and preparing briefings of policy recommendations for review, consideration, and approval.

To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: 

• Experience assessing and preparing environmental documentation (e.g., Environmental Assessment (EA), Finding of No Significant Impact, Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and Record of Decision) for transportation infrastructure projects in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental regulations and orders (e.g. National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, Environmental Justice, etc.) and coordinating with government agencies, stakeholders, and organizations on EAs or EISs; 
• Experience planning, leading, and managing multiple full life-cycle (from planning through design and construction) environmental-related projects including: scoping the required work; developing detailed project work plans; identifying, tracking, and completing project schedules, deliverables, and budgets; developing business development strategies; preparing and delivering formal and informal presentations; meeting project milestones, and finalizing project close-out reports.

OR

• Experience in the assessment of policy, laws, regulations, decisions and/or proposed legislation related to climate change (e.g., climate mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation, climate resilience, transit, pedestrians, bicycles, electric vehicles, renewable energy, sustainability, embodied carbon, etc.) AND preparing and presenting analytical reports to decision makers as a regular and recurring part of your employment.

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:

1. Technical Competence (Environmental Protection and Climate Change) - knowledge of the principles and methods to advise, manage, or perform program, projector policy work on environmental protection and climate change and the laws and regulations related to environmental protection and climate change activities acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to environmental protection and climate change issues; advises others on technical issues to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
2. Organizational Performance Analysis - Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and tools used to analyze program, organizational, and mission performance; includes methods that deliver key performance information (for example, comparative, trend, diagnostic, root cause, predictive) used to inform decisions, actions, communications, and accountability systems.
3. Communication - Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; makes clear and convincing presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately; uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
4. Stakeholder Management - Knowledge of the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort; including those actively involved, those who exert influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative).
5. External Awareness - Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders' views; is aware of the organization's impact on the external environment.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

For this announcement, all applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational requirements.  Applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official.

Applicants will not be rated or ranked.  Veteran’s Preference does NOT apply.

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.  WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.  All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated by a resume.  If, upon review, it is determined that your resume and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be removed from consideration.

Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. 

You may preview questions for this vacancy.