Environmental Project Planner II, III – Archeological Studies Environmental Affairs Division

Texas Department of Transportation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Department of Transportation seeks an Environmental Project Planner II or III to manage archeological and cultural resource activities for transportation projects. This role requires expertise in environmental laws and effective communication with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and relevant experience in environmental planning and project management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience for Planner II.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience for Planner III.
• Preferred qualifications include knowledge of Texas Antiquities Code.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate environmental impact of transportation activities.
• Conduct field surveys and coordinate project investigations.
• Prepare environmental assessments and reports.

Skills

Cultural resources management

Environmental laws

Research and analysis

Public speaking

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology, Archeology, History

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

As an Environmental Project Planner II or III – Archeological Studies, you will be working with the ENV cultural resources management team members, other ENV staff, and District staff to coordinate and manage archeological and cultural resource activities associated with transportation projects for the Department. You will provide subject matter and technical expertise on the National Historic Preservation Act and other cultural resource laws while serving as a liaison with state and federal resource agencies, environmental and special interest groups, consultant staff, federally recognized tribes, and internal project sponsors. You may lead or assist with programmatic archeology efforts, conduct outreach and presentations to the public, or participate in research activities within and external to the Department in the areas of cultural resources. You will report to the Section Director of Cultural Resources Management. Employees at this level are self-starting and able to complete assignments independently without constant supervision while assuming direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties:

Project Planner II and III

• Evaluates environmental impact of transportation activities related to cultural resources including archeological resources like sites, landscapes, and cemeteries.
• Conducts and/or coordinates field surveys, assessments, and project investigations for incorporation into environmental technical studies and environmental documents.
• Prepares and approves complex correspondence, reports and environmental assessments/impact statements/programmatic assessments to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Consults and coordinates with district 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, federally recognized tribes, special interest groups, the public and Department personnel.
• Monitors and researches current and proposed relevant environmental technical studies, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to develop, recommend, and implement environmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Presents information on various environmental programs, projects and activities at public and professional meetings, seminars and conferences.
• Develops, writes, revises, reviews, and recommends for approval consultant qualifications, statements of work, work authorizations, amendments, supplements, forms, deliverables, and related documents related to environmental studies for engineering and scientific services contracts.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology, Archeology, History or a related 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

Experience:

Environmental Project Planner II

Minimum of 3 years environmental, planning, project management or other relevant experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent).

Environmental Project Planner III

Minimum of 5 years environmental, planning, project management or other relevant experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred applicants will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CRF Part 61 requirements and qualifications for principal investigators in the rules of practice and procedure of the Texas Antiquities Code, Title 13, Part 2, Chapter 26.

Competencies:

Considerable to extensive knowledge of:

• Cultural resources management methods and procedures.
• Environmental laws, regulations and mitigation requirements pertaining to cultural resources.
• Writing methodologies and strategies to develop and implement appropriate informational and educational materials related to environmental studies and activities.

Some knowledge of:

• Process improvement methodologies
• Construction, maintenance and operation of transportation facilities

Proficient skill in:

• 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 Windows 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.

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.
  
• 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.