The Nebraska Department of Transportation is seeking a NEPA Specialist to join the Project Development team. As a NEPA Specialist, you will work with an interdisciplinary team of professionals to ensure consideration of the environment during the transportation planning process. This position plays a vital role in documenting environmental decisions and ensuring NDOT compliance with established rules, regulations, and procedures. Our team of environmental specialists and technical experts provides a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers many opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

We reward our employee’s hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates
• Free parking

Pay range is $32.495 - $47.902 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

JOB DUTIES:

• Gather, analyze, and assemble data necessary to determine the environmental impact associated with road construction upon locales within the state.
• Prepare Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, Categorical Exclusions, and Section 4(f) Statements.
• Review environmental documents prepared by others.
• Manage environmental consultants.
• Review and respond to agency and public comments received on reports prepared; prepare final and/or supplemental reports based on comments received or upon project changes.
• Coordinate with the Federal Highway Administration, and other Federal, State and/or Local Agency representatives during the environmental process to obtain environmental approval.
• Be knowledgeable of Federal and State environmental regulations and policies.
• Assist project sponsors in determining the appropriate level of environmental documentation needed for federal-aid projects.
• Gather technical data using computer-based programs to support environmental document development and regulatory agency consultations.
• Research environmental topics to assist in policy development.
• Conduct and oversee environmental compliance, monitoring projects to determine environmental conditions before, during, and following construction.
• File and retrieve records, files, and field plans.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS: 

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical discipline related to environmental assessment or compliance review principles and practices including but not limited to biological sciences, agricultural/soil sciences, geography, ecology/environmental studies, Historic Properties, landscape architecture, or related engineering disciplines, AND two (2) years’ experience performing research, investigative, or compliance work related to environmental or other technical assessments of the impact of construction, engineering, or similar projects. Additional years of experience in the above work areas may substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree may substitute for one of the two years’ required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education and 2-3 years of experience in the preparation of NEPA Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and Categorical Exclusion documents for projects funded through the Federal Highway Administration.
• Educational courses or training in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Training and/or experience in preparation of Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act and/or Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
• Experience using mapping software and other similar computer programs, including Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with roadway plans.

Other: Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of environmental regulating agencies and their functions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to collect, organize, and present information in a report format.