Position InformationTxDOT's Environmental Affairs Division is seeking to fill one position for Environmental Project Planner III - Biologist on the Natural Resources Management Section Biology Team. Are you a nature-lover? Are you into ecology, protected species, or other natural resources? Do you have expertise in the state and federal environmental regulations that protect natural resources? Are you ready to serve the public by being a part of planning and reviewing the state's transportation projects to minimize impacts to natural resources and assist with permitting and agency coordination? Do you enjoy the diversity of working with teams of experts on state-wide projects?
If you answered yes to those questions, consider joining the Natural Resources Management Section of TxDOT's Environmental Affairs Division, part of TxDOT's diverse workforce of over 12,000 employees statewide. At TxDOT we value employee work-life-balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include telework, flexed and compressed work schedules, wellness leave incentive, in-house fitness center, career development programs, tuition assistance, and various other benefits. For a complete list of our total compensation package, please visit our website at Total Compensation.
Minimum Salary: 80,000.00
Maximum Salary: 100,000.00
Benefits and PerksAt TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
- Retirement Plans
- Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
- Paid Leave and Holidays
- Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
- On-the-Job Training
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
- Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
- Family-Friendly Policies and Programs
In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)
Position DescriptionAs an Environmental Project Planner III - Biologist, you will be working with the ENV natural resources management team members, other ENV staff, and District staff to coordinate and manage biological and natural resources activities associated with transportation projects for the Department. You will provide subject matter and technical expertise while serving as a liaison with state and federal resource agencies, environmental and special interest groups, consultant staff, and internal project sponsors. You may serve as a species-lead resource for team members, leading or assisting with programmatic efforts, and research activities within and external to the Department in the areas of botanical/zoological resources. You will report to the Section Director of Natural Resources Management. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.
Essential Duties: - Evaluates environmental impact of transportation activities related to natural resources including protected species, soils, biological, or geological resources, and protected lands.
- Conducts and/or coordinates field surveys, assessments, and project investigations for incorporation into environmental technical studies and environmental documents.
- Consults and coordinates with districts 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, 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.
- Prepares and presents environmental reports or other information defining project progress, risks, problems, and solutions to executives, departmental staff and at public/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 biology, natural sciences, or a related discipline. (Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated parttime equivalent) Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Minimum of 5 years biological, environmental, planning, project management or other relevant experience. (Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated parttime equivalent)
Competencies:Considerable to extensive knowledge of:
- Biological resources management methods and procedures.
- Environmental laws, regulations and mitigation requirements pertaining to natural 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 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)
- Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. 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.
