Environmental Protection Specialist

This position serves as an Environmental Protection Specialist for the Office of Airports (ARP), Eastern Regional Airports Division in support of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). FV-G Duties: Performs a mixture of basic and routine (but progressively more difficult) assignments under the close direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader or more experienced technical specialist. Assists other employees or acts as an individual contributor and/or member of a team. Applies basic technical knowledge and limited experience to accomplish assignments. Assists more experienced EPS's in data gathering for NEPA and other federal environmental laws for airport development and planning projects. These services include, but are not limited to: tracking the environmental analysis, agency consultation, public involvement and preparation of environmental documents in accordance with NEPA and FAA requirements. These include Categorical Exclusions (CATEX), Environmental Assessments (EA), Findings of No Significant Impacts FONSI), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Records of Decisions (ROD). FV-H Duties: Applies experience and detailed technical knowledge to plan and accomplish assignments. Assists more experienced EPS's with reviewing Airport Noise Compatibility Studies prepared pursuant to 14 CFR Part 150. Provides input to Planners, Engineers, and airport sponsors in the development of Airport Capital Improvement Plans and Master Plans to ensure compliance with NEPA and other environmental laws. Provides input to Part 139 inspectors and other lines of business to minimize environmental impacts while promoting airport/aviation safety. This includes participation in the development and review of Wildlife Hazard Assessments and Management Plans. Assists with the review of Scopes of Work payment requests and related project documents. Reviews grant applications, payment requests and other grant-related documents. Determines eligibility of work on projects involving environmental studies or assessments. Prepares correspondence for review by more experienced EPS's including Congressional correspondence, briefing papers, approval letters and guidance to sponsors associated with all aspects of airport development. Demonstrates some independence in planning time and using assigned resources to accomplish assignments and small projects. FV-I Duties: Provides technical input and guidance to Planners, Engineers, and airport sponsors in the development of Airport Capital Improvement Plans and Master Plans to ensure compliance with NEPA and other environmental laws. Provides technical input and guidance to Part 139 inspectors and other lines of business to minimize environmental impacts while promoting airport/aviation safety. This includes participation in the development and review of Wildlife Hazard Assessments and Management Plans. Contacts are internal and external. May act as a key technical point of contact for assigned activities. Reviews and approves Scopes of Work, payment requests, grant applications and related project documents. Determines eligibility of work on projects involving environmental studies or assessments. Reviews and prepares correspondence including Congressional correspondence, briefing papers, approval letters and guidance to sponsors associated with all aspects of airport development. Participates in national teams to review current policy and guidance. Identifies and informs management of problems that require their attention. Often develops and recommends techniques to address problem situations. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Work is reviewed periodically, typically at major milestones and at completion, for technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity. Performs other duties as assigned.