Water Quality Specialist

Arkansas-Department-of-Transportation-2; Little Rock (AR); Presencial; USD 57.000 - 69.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Arkansas Department of Transportation is seeking a Water Quality Specialist to conduct environmental studies of designated resources, including wetlands, forests, streams, soils, plants, and wildlife, ensuring compliance with CWA/ESA and related regulations.

The role involves data collection, coordination with regulatory agencies, preparation of NEPA documents, and ongoing project monitoring across statewide transportation projects. Travel and on-site fieldwork are required.

Formación

• Master’s degree in an environmental, biological, natural science, natural resources, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences with two years of related experience.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and data analysis.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct site investigations, data collection, and plan reviews to assess potential project impacts.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies to secure permits.
• Assist in developing NEPA-related documents and environmental reports.
• Monitor and document environmental compliance throughout project life and on-site activities.
• Prepare project documents and coordination letters.

Conocimientos

Regulatory knowledge

Oral and written communication

Project coordination

Educación

Master's degree in environmental or natural sciences

Bachelor's degree plus 2 years environmental experience

Herramientas

Excel

Word

Outlook

Descripción del empleo

Requisition Number: NATUR006360

• Posted : October 30, 2026


• Full-Time


• On-site


• Salary : $62,790 USD per year

Locations

Showing 1 location

• Travel Required : Yes

Description

Posting closes on 11/13/2026

Under direct supervision, this position conducts environmental studies of designated ecological resources, including wetlands, forests, streams, soils, plants, and wildlife, in order to identify and evaluate any potential impacts to these resources in and near Department project sites. It also monitors compliance with local, state, and federal regulations during all phases of Department work.

Examples of Work

The following examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. No attempt is made to be exhaustive. Related, similar, or other logical duties are performed as assigned. The Department may require employees to perform functions beyond those contained in job descriptions. The Department may modify job descriptions based on Department needs. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is an \"at will\" employer.

• Conduct site investigations, data collection, and plan reviews to determine potential project impacts.


• Apply procedures, laws, standards, and regulations pertaining to compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA) and/or Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).


• Coordinate with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies to secure any necessary concurrence/permits.


• Assist in collecting, analyzing, and summarizing ecological resources to support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and project development activities.


• Develop and maintain project records to document and track compliance with permits and regulations.


• Prepare project documents, such as constraints statements, coordination letters, special provisions, etc.


• Assist with project coordination meetings at Division, Department, State, and Federal levels, as applicable.


• Assist in the development of environmental documents and supporting technical documentation related to the NEPA process.


• Monitor environmental compliance through the life of the project and coordinate on-site project monitoring as needed.


• Assist in determining compensatory mitigation on a project if applicable.

Additional Examples of Work Applicable to Water Quality Specialist

• Assist the Department in compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.


• Assist in the preparation and delivery of training on environmental stormwater regulations and best management practices to Department personnel.


• Conduct field testing and collection of water samples for various parameters.

Education and experience : The educational equivalent to a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental, biological, natural science, natural resources, or related field OR the educational equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental, biological, natural science, natural resources, or related field plus two years’ experience in an environmental science related field.

Knowledge, skills and abilities : Knowledge of CWA and/or ESA permitting and compliance desired. Demonstrated proficient oral and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage diverse project assignments. Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data, technical procedures, and regulations. Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Physical requirements : Ability to traverse rugged terrain including, but not limited to, steep hills, creeks and streams, swamps, brush and timber covered property, fences, etc.

Working conditions : Office and field environment with statewide travel, including overnight travel.

Licenses, registrations and certifications : Valid driver’s license.

Additional Requirements Applicable to Water Quality Specialist

Working knowledge of NPDES stormwater permits and regulations under CWA Sections 401 and 402 preferred.

(“Accredited” means the educational institution or program is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized either by the United States Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.)

A criminal background check will be required to determine suitability of employment, and failure to meet these standards may cause the applicant to be rejected or terminated from that position.

Travel Required

Yes . Frequent in-state travel including occasional overnight travel.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.