Environmental Protection Specialist

Environmental Protection Specialist

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the National Park Service (NPS). These experienced professionals provide administrative expertise, facilities management, natural and cultural resource planning, and a broad array of other professional skills that support the National Park Service through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an at-will relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An Enrollee is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An Enrollee is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• MA/MS Degree in Environmental Studies, Biology, Physical Science, Planning with minimum additional experience of 5 year(s) in Environmental Planning and Compliance procedures in a federal land management agency, and 3 years of experience with the Air Tour Management Act OR Previously completed training in NEPA, NHPA, ESA, and the Wilderness Act.
• Knowledge of a wide range of ecological, biological, and geological concepts, principles and practices, such as would be gained through extended and relevant work experience in physical and natural sciences, and the ability to apply those concepts, principles, and practices in addressing Park resource issues. Demonstrated experience in the knowledge and application of federal and state laws and regulations relating to the National Park Service, national park management, NPS regulations, NPS policies, guidelines, and best practices regarding the management and protection of acoustic and night sky resources including the reduction of noise and artificial light. High degree of professional knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense, multiagency planning and NEPA practices, organizational structure, the National Parks Air Tour Management Act, and other relevant regulations and guidance to serve as the recognized authority for the NSNSD regarding natural resources, aviation, air and space transportation, air mobility, UAV, and related activities such as military overflights. Knowledge of planning and project analysis techniques including the ability to gather, analyze and interpret information, analyze impacts to wilderness and natural and cultural resources, analyze cumulative environmental impacts, formulate management alternatives and develop mitigating measures. Knowledge of and ability to research, interpret, and properly apply provisions of a broad range of environmental regulations and legislation such as the NPS Organic Act of 1916, the Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, the State Environmental Quality Act and relevant Executive Orders. Knowledge of and familiarity with state and local rules and legislation which may affect park lands and areas under NPS jurisdiction. Knowledge of NPS Management Policies such as sections 4.9 Soundscape Management, and 4.10 Lightscape Management, as well as Directors Order 47 Soundscape Preservation and Noise Management. Knowledge of the principles and practices of park resource management and biological and physical sciences sufficient to understand the relationships between goals and objectives of the environmental compliance program and park management mandates. Knowledge of related NPS programs subject to environmental compliance requirements. Knowledge of NPS programs to effectively represent the Service's position on controversial environmental issues to other state and federal agency representatives, special interest groups, and the general public at meetings and conferences. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint

Duties

• The Environmental Protection Specialist monitors internal and external proposals, projects, and proposed actions to identify opportunities for division review and provides technical comments that strengthen the protection of natural sound and night sky resources in national parks. The position synthesizes scientific, policy, and operational considerations to develop clear, actionable recommendations that help parks minimize acoustic noise and artificial light at night to enhance resource conditions nationally. This position will support division actions related to the Congressional mandate of the NP Air Tour Management Act, PL 106-181, 49 USC 40128 and 14 CFR Part 136, Subpart B.
• Evaluate effects of actions on the acoustic and photic environment from proposed alternatives. Facilitate and document alternatives or mitigation methods to be considered for planned actions. 25%
• Conduct project reviews and coordinate consultations, including public involvement. 25%
• Schedule and facilitate planning conversations; manage internal communications. 25%
• Facilitate communications for public access and education. 10%
• Facilitate and document the identification of purpose and need for action. 5%
• Establish and coordinate project schedules. 5%
• Maintain Administrative Record 5%

Other:

• NEPA Regulations and Privacy Act

• Overnight travel: Some travel may rarely be required depending on enrollee location and park needs.

• Air travel anticipated: Some air travel may rarely be required depending on enrollee location and park needs.

• Physical requirements: Work is primarily sedentary in an office environment, but may require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.