PDF versionJob Summary
FRA is committed to fostering a diverse, highly skilled workforce capable of meeting or exceeding our strategic goals with efficiency, innovation, and a constant focus on better serving our customers.The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has major responsibility to implement this vision through passenger and freight rail programs. FRA has critical hiring needs to meet these growing mission requirements and to prepare our partners and stakeholders.
Major Duties
At the full performance level of an Environmental Protection Specialist, you will:
- Perform and manage environmental reviews. Ensure that environmental policy and compliance obligations are satisfied in the planning, developing, and implementing intercity passenger and freight rail programs. Participate on behalf of FRA on Departmental committees, initiatives, and studies related to environmental and energy policy issues.
- Support activities of the Office of Railroad Development that may include: providing technical assistance to states, railroads and other entities planning rail projects or services, administering grants and loans to Amtrak and other railroads or State and local governments; assessing the financial and operating conditions of railroads; and processing applications for financial assistance under grant programs and the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program.
- Develop railroad transportation plans for presentation to high level State or local officials and/or industry or community forums. Serves as the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) or task monitor when appropriate or otherwise supports other COTRs in providing technical direction to contractors retained to support Office of Railroad Development programs and to grantees. Carries out all delegated administrative aspects of contracting or grant making, such as initiating procurement requests, preparing statements of work, and reviewing contractor or grantee proposals, both solicited and unsolicited.
- Monitor developments in environmental policy, intercity passenger rail, and freight rail and supports FRA teams performing operating, financial, and policy analyses to assess strategic options for the continued provision of railroad service in the United States.
- Engage in periodic review meetings to examine contractor or grantee progress and reports, to follow-up on refinements, and to provide redirection as necessary. Conduct on-site visits to ensure that technical and management efforts are of high quality and in compliance with contract or grant provisions and program policies and objectives.
- Review and prepare comments on draft environmental documents prepared by other agencies. Represent FRA in State and local rail planning meetings, site visits, and public hearings with State and local partners, private industry partners and the public. Work individually or with higher-graded staff on projects and may serve as a team member on some assignments.
- Advise grantees in the preparation of passenger (including high-speed) rail planning, service analysis, and investment strategies. Review project documentation and provides guidance to grantees both orally and in writing.
The ideal candidate for this position is a mid-level career professional who is experienced in applying National Environmental Policy Act, environmental sustainability policy, and related laws and regulations to transportation infrastructure projects. A background working with a range of regulations is preferable, such as the National Historic Preservation Act; U.S. Department of Transportation Act, Section 4(f); Title 23, Environmental Regulations; Clean Air Act as amended; and Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet either the education or specialized experience requirements for the grade you which to be considered.
To qualify for the Grade 12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, which includes the following: Experience assisting in the preparation of routine environmental documents required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related laws.
Experience assisting with environmental impact analysis in such areas as the National Historic Preservation Act; US DOT Transportation Act, Section 4(f); Title 23, Environmental regulations; Clean Air Act as amended and Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice. To qualify for the Grade 13 on Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the following: Experience evaluating environmental aspects of transportation programs.
Experience preparing Environmental Impact Statements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/... enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Pay Range
$83,398.00 - $128,920.00