National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Coordinator

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Environmental Program Manager I for Environmental Services (National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Assignment Manager), the Senior Environmental Scientist, (NEPA Assignment Compliance Coordinator), will administer the implementation of the Authority's NEPA Assignment Program responsibilities, as assigned by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in the NEPA Assignment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), pursuant to 23 USC 327. The NEPA Assignment Compliance Coordinator will provide guidance and oversee Authority compliance with NEPA (and other related federal regulations and guidance) for Authority and other projects as assigned. The Senior Environmental Scientist will serve as a critical point of contact for federal cooperating agencies during project development. The Senior Environmental Scientist will make final recommendations regarding the adequacy and compliance of environmental documentation prepared under NEPA or any other federal environmental law for which the Authority is responsible to the NEPA Assignment Manager. Major emphasis is placed on ensuring consistent and uniform application of statewide environmental management policies, standards, procedures, guidelines, and practices in compliance with provisions of the MOU and other laws, regulations, and commitments.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, manage multiple tasks, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Special Requirements

A response to the supplemental questions is required for this position. The response must be 2 pages, single spaced, size 12 font, organized and numbered as reflected below, and you must respond to all of the following questions. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the response to these supplemental questions.

1. Describe your project management knowledge and experience in the development and delivery of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for major transportation projects.

2. Describe your experience and ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with stakeholders and Federal and State agencies to effectively deliver a complex NEPA Environmental Impact Statement.

3. Provide an example of a situation where you had to identify and evaluate alternatives, choose the best course, and take appropriate action.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Knowledge of the Authority’s organization, policies, project management concepts, design, construction, materials engineering and testing processes, and financial constraints.
• Experience working with Federal and State Agencies and Stakeholders.
• Ability to act independently, work within and lead teams and organize work priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships, dealing with tact and persuasion with regional, Headquarters, Agency and external counterparts including Legislative staff pertaining to planning, design and construction of transportation facilities.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding environmental compliance for project delivery and project management.
• Knowledge of trends in environmental assessment, policy and project audit practices and procedures.
• Experience overseeing complex NEPA Documents.
• Experience completing and/or managing environmental technical studies and environmental documents in compliance with the NEPA, California Environmental Quality Act, and state and federal environmental regulations or developing environmental laws and policy.
• Experience with developing policies and procedures for environmental management.
• Analyze and reason logically and creatively to exercise good judgment in identifying, and adopting effective courses of action, to resolving complex environmental issues and mitigation problems.
• Experience with environmental review of large infrastructure projects (10+ mile or multi-thousand acre).
• Experience in formal writing and effective oral communication.
• Ability to operate independently to assimilate input from various sources, evaluate that input, develop alternative courses of action, and make objective recommendations to the Authority and California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) management on all environmental issues related to project delivery.
• Ability and experience to organize, conduct, and manage staff to effectively report on large-scale audits of environmental projects including logistical organization, execution, identification of deficiencies and corrective actions.
• Experience in leading and working within integrated multi-disciplinary teams.
  

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-523755 and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Coordinator , 311-660-0764-005 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please to access the exam bulletin.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.