The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks an experienced Environmental Protection Specialist (GS0028-13) to join the Environmental Engineering and Remediation Division at the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center). RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system. This is one of eight Centers of Innovation (COI) at the Volpe Center whose function is to undertake transportation policy analysis and research that contributes to a compelling vision of the 21st Century transportation enterprise and supports decision making in the development, management, operation, and financing of an integrated multimodal national transportation system that meets 21st Century mobility needs for goods and people. The position is located at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA.

Working with the Environmental Engineering and Remediation Division you will have the responsibility for analyzing and interpreting the potential environmental impacts from Federal and state infrastructure projects and other activities. The work is principally focused on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental compliance regulations and Executive Orders (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Environmental Justice, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, etc).  The position focuses on using environmental analyses to identify and mitigate the potential impacts of transportation projects; although project outside DOT are likely.

The candidate will lead a team that presents their analyses in an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Environmental Protection Specialist is responsible for completing environmental analyses; mitigation plans; environmental permitting; environmental regulatory and compliance evaluations; remediation planning; and pollution prevention evaluation and planning. The projects are significant in scope and dollar value.

If you are an experienced professional, and have the expertise and the desire to influence the direction our nation’s policies and programs, then this job is for you!  You must have superb analytical, problem-solving and project management skills, and must be able to work in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

This announcement is posted under both Merit Promotion procedures and to the Public on www.usajobs.opm.gov.

Applications will be accepted from current and former competitive service Federal employees, and people eligible under special hiring authorities.  Please know that Merit Promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.

Merit Promotion; (RITA.VOLPE-2011-0004)  http://jobview.usajobs.gov/91624679 Environmental Protection Specialist Merit

Public: (RITA.VOLPE-2011-0005)  http://jobview.usajobs.govJobID=91624783-Environmental Protection Specialist-PUBLIC

(Source: Washington State DOT)

The Columbia River Crossing is the recipient of a National Association of Environmental Professionals 2009 Environmental Excellence Award in the category of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Excellence.