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Environmental Scientist I - III(Job Id 15803)

Job ID: 15803
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning and Engineering / Administration
Location: Negotiable
Salary: $23.03 - $31.60 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: ES1 - ES3
Closing Date: 03/10/2021

This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit https://dot.sd.gov/.
This position will conduct environmental reviews of transportation projects to assure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and permitting processes related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is carried out and documented.
Work is primarily in an office environment with 8 hour work days Monday through Friday although hours may vary during the active construction season, including weekends.
Normal physical dexterity for field work will be fundamental.
Some in-state travel is required for structure construction inspections, landowner meetings, public hearings, etc. with occasional overnight stays as necessary for long distance and/or multi-day work trips.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental or physical sciences and 1-3 years of progressive experience equivalent to Level I of the Environmental Sciences Career Band OR a master’s degree (if limited or no experience). Prior work experience with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and transportation decision making in a federal, state, or local permitting occupation will assist the candidate in succeeding in the position.
An ideal candidate will lead the preparation of NEPA documents in order to communicate scientific and technical information to the public, state, and federal agencies using experience preparing Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and Categorical Exclusions (CE).
Knowledge of:
  • the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related Federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations and permitting requirements, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act, (CWA), and other compliance regulations under NEPA;
  • environmental planning and environmental sciences such as biological resources, physical resources, and social resources;
  • practices and principles of project management;
  • Microsoft Office 2010 software (Excel, Word & PowerPoint) and proficiency with GIS;
  • Department of Transportation policies and procedures.
Skills to:
  • perform research, conduct environmental analyses, develop recommendations, and prepare technical reports under NEPA;
  • prepare NEPA documentation including environmental impact statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), Categorical Exclusions (CE);
  • effectively communicate information clearly and concisely;
  • develop a written document with accurate spelling, rules of composition, grammar, and content;
  • effectively maintain concise files and records; and
  • establish and maintain interagency and interdisciplinary relationships.
Ability to:
  • effectively manage projects from concept through completion;
  • coordinate project work with other departments to ensure issues identified are adequately communicated and addressed;
  • demonstrate self-confidence and take action when necessary;
  • plan, organize, and prioritize work activities to meet schedules and deadlines;
  • interpret, understand, and implement state and federal laws, rules, department standards, policies, and procedures;
  • display high standards of ethical conduct;
  • provide technical guidance and review work to ensure work accuracy and quality;
  • treat customers courteously and be responsive to their needs;
  • work cooperatively with multiple staff, multiple clients, and various stakeholders;
  • promote a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals;
  • organize, analyze, calculate, and evaluate available information and draw upon reasonable conclusions;
  • walk, sit and stand for extended periods of time;
  • walk long distances over many kinds of terrain; animals, reptiles, and insects are a factor;
  • routinely climb, balance, stoop, and kneel;
  • physically traverse natural and constructed terrain in the field around structure construction sites to perform inspections.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.
The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Fax: 605.773.4344
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"