Environmental Planning Trainee (Connecticut Careers Trainee)

 

The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) , Bureau of Policy and Planning, is accepting applications for an Environmental Planning Trainee with a target class of Transportation Planner 1, in the newly formed Environmental Permitting Unit in Environmental Planning. The official State job classification for this position is Connecticut Careers Trainee.

We are looking for a self-motivated, collaborative professional to join our team. The Environmental Permitting Unit leads the development of wetland permit applications and other related environmental studies to support work for bridge, road, rail and other transportation projects. The position is located at the Department of Transportation Headquarters in Newington. This position reports directly to a Transportation Planner or other employee of higher grade within Environmental Planning. This position requires possession of a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree and will require traveling to and from project sites throughout the State.

This position will be responsible for performing field work associated with wetland delineations, including vegetation and soil surveys, environmental studies, habitat assessments and analysis and will require regular field work in varying weather conditions. Other key duties and responsibilities include: production and review of reports required to identify water and natural resources which may be affected by transportation improvement projects, and preparation and review of permit applications and supporting materials for transportation projects.

The selected applicant will be eligible for promotion to the target class of Transportation Planner 1 after successful completion of the one (1) or two (2) year training program. The length of the training program will depend on the selected applicant's education and will be determined in accordance with the Connecticut Careers Trainee and Transportation Planner 1 job specifications. This position is full time, 40 hours per week and is in the P-4 (Engineering and Scientific) bargaining unit.

The DOT offers a competitive starting salary and excellent State benefits package including health/dental insurance, generous paid time off, retirement plan, alternate work schedule options and a multitude of other benefits. We also offer the convenience of an on-site, low-cost fitness center, on-site cafeteria, and ample free parking. We are centrally located in Newington with easy access from major highways and by public transportation.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

Applicants MUST be legally authorized to work in the United States, possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences or closely related degree; be available to travel to and attend training, conferences, public meetings, field reviews, etc. both within and outside of normal working hours when necessary, and possess and retain a valid Driver's license. Applicants must also possess considerable ability to work collaboratively with project engineers and design teams, State and federal regulatory agencies such as the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers among others.

Applicants must list their valid Driver's license number, expiration date and issuing State, and any other job-relevant licenses or certifications, in the Licenses and Professional Certifications section of their application. Applicants must also include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. Ensure that your application is complete before submitting it. Applicants will be unable to make revisions once their application is submitted into the JobAps system. Applicants who submit and subsequently withdraw their application will not be able to resubmit for the same posting.

NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to answer additional questions and/or submit additional documentation which supports their qualifications for this position. These documents may include; cover letters, college transcripts, verification of degree completion, foreign education equivalency reports from a recognized USA accrediting service, proof of licensure, performance appraisals, employment/supervisory references, etc.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. The candidate pool resulting from this posting may be used to fill future positions in this classification in the Bureau of Policy and Planning in the next twelve (12) months. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account.

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Jennifer Brame at jennifer.brame@ct.gov and reference CCT #30246.

In a state agency this class is accountable for mastering the skills necessary to satisfactorily complete the training program for a professional position.

In a department or institution receives training in introductory governmental work for development of skills and knowledge in field of public administration in order to qualify for advancement into agency professional positions; performs a variety of increasingly difficult duties as skills are acquired during course of training period; performs related duties as required.

Receives training to perform the following target class (Transportation Planner 1) duties:

• Conducts field work and planning studies to support acquisition of necessary wetland and natural resource permits for transportation projects;
• Conducts and directs surveys related to environmental studies, land use, and transportation needs; collects, analyzes and updates data related to impacts of transportation facilities, and makes recommendations based on this analysis;
• Prepares environmental reports;
• Reviews studies, surveys and technical documents for conformance with department standards, and state and federal laws and regulations;
• Provides planning assistance and coordinates activities and projects with local, regional, state, and federal agencies, private consultants and stakeholders;
• Investigates and responds to public inquiries and complaints;
• May perform site inspections on active construction projects;
• Performs related duties as required.
• Performs field work and travel primarily within the State.

Oral and written communication skills; ability to acquire knowledge and skills required for the target classification; ability to understand, evaluate and solve problems by exercising judgement and logic; ability to read, interpret and understand written material; ability to perform basic arithmetical computations; ability to interpret charts, graphs and tables; learning and reasoning ability; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with superiors, associates and general public; ability to utilize computer software.

Possession of a Bachelor's or Master's degree.

NOTE:

1. If the target job classification has a Substitution Allowed that requires the Bachelor's or Master's degree to be in a specific area(s), then these specific degree areas are required for appointment to the Connecticut Career Trainee classification.
2. Candidates cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are complete.

1. Possession of and ability to retain a valid Driver’s License;
2. A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences or closely related degree from an accredited college or university with achievement of a highly successful grade average in job-relevant courses;
3. Education and training regarding water and natural resources identification and evaluation;
4. The ability to utilize GIS and related software and interpret other published documents and media such as aerial photography;
5. Familiarity with relevant State and federal laws, statutes and regulations particularly in regard to the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act;
6. Strong interpersonal skills, oral and written communication and collaboration skills.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.