Environmental Specialist I (#MGCH01)
$40,446.00 Yearly Min / $50,558.00 Yearly Mid / $60,670.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Specialist II (#MGCH02)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Career Opportunities.
$45,798.00 Yearly Min / $57,248.00 Yearly Mid / $68,698.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Specialist III (#MGCH03)
$51,858.00 Yearly Min / $64,822.00 Yearly Mid / $77,786.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Specialist IV (#MGCH04)
$58,719.00 Yearly Min / $73,399.00 Yearly Mid / $88,079.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Specialist V (#MGCH05)
$66,489.00 Yearly Min / $83,111.00 Yearly Mid / $99,733.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Specialist Supervisor (#MGCH06)
$62,483.00 Yearly Min / $78,104.00 Yearly Mid / $93,725.00 Yearly Max

Environmental Specialist Manager (#MGCH07)
$70,750.00 Yearly Min / $88,438.00 Yearly Mid / $106,126.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses seven levels of work in the Agricultural, Natural Resources and Sciences, occupational group, and describes environmental specialist work which includes the analysis and assessment of environmental and cultural impacts of State projects and/or programs.

Incumbents in this class series work with Project Managers, local, state and federal agencies and others in order to identify resources, review and assess potential impacts, obtain required permits and establish agreement on mitigation strategies to minimize project/program impacts and to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and cultural environment.  Incumbents are performing environmental specialist work in an environmental specialty area such as wildlife/endangered species, wetlands and vegetation, architecture/historic properties, and archaeology sites.  Work includes assessing environmental impacts and negotiating environmental commitments during the planning and design phases and ensuring all avoidance and mitigation measures are upheld during the construction and maintenance of State projects and/or programs in accordance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.

Note: This career ladder series incorporates the Environmental Specialist I-Environmental Specialist IV.  The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with job requirements and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at the next level. Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work.

The Environmental Specialist V, Environmental Specialist Supervisor and Environmental Specialist Manager, although not part of the career ladder, provides competitive opportunity for movement of employees.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Performs environmental specialist work in an environmental specialty area such as wildlife/endangered species, wetlands and vegetation, noise, air quality, civil rights, architecture/historic properties, and archaeology sites.
   
• Provides guidance and technical assistance to engineering and project personnel, representatives from local, state and federal agencies, and project stakeholders to incorporate environmental and sociocultural considerations into project and/or program activities.
   
• Ensures that State project and/or program plans, construction and maintenance are all in compliance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations related to water quality, wetlands, air quality, noise, wildlife, civil rights, historic preservation, and recreational sites.
   
• Conducts research, field studies and evaluations for compliance with regulatory requirements; observes, collects, analyzes, reviews and interprets data, technical reports, and regulatory submissions to make recommendations on project and/or program alternatives.
   
• Prepares technical reports, documentation on consultation efforts, project effect documentation, permits, and Memorandums of Agreement.
   
• Coordinates and negotiates with local, state and federal regulatory agencies to obtain necessary permits or approvals and ensure project delivery of proposed construction related activities that may affect environmental or cultural resources.
   
• Makes recommendations and negotiates mitigation efforts with project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders; ensures these commitments are met.
   
• Meets with engineering and other project personnel, state agency personnel, project stakeholders and regulatory agencies to resolve resource compliance issues and keep project/programs moving to completion.
   
• Formulates plans and policies to preserve and enhance the social and natural environment.
   
• May meet with community leaders, special interest groups, resource agencies, the general public, or other affected parties to provide outreach and education on environmental impacts, mitigation, and environmental stewardship using a variety of forums such as seminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, assessments, and analytical reports.
   
• May review draft environmental or cultural legislation proposals, regulations, or rule changes and provide comments regarding the proposed changes as they relate to the development of projects and/or programs.

Environmental Specialist I

This is the first level of environmental specialist work which includes the analysis and assessment of environmental and cultural impacts of State projects and/or programs.

• Reports to a technical or administrative supervisor and performs the full range of Essential Functions.
• Receives close supervision.
• Gathers data and conducts limited studies and resource evaluations on less complex environmental projects/programs for state and federal regulatory compliance.
• Assists in project review by coordinating with project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders to gather information and document findings.
• Assists higher level Environmental Specialists on complex environmental project/program reviews.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and with external agency representatives, regardless of the method of communication, for the purpose of coordinating and gathering information.

Environmental Specialist II
 
This is the full performance level of environmental specialist work which includes the analysis of environmental and cultural impacts of State projects and/or programs and coordination with state/federal agencies.

• Receives less supervisory direction and assistance.
• Work is reviewed at critical stages of a project.
• Conducts studies and resource evaluations of complex environmental projects/programs for state and federal regulatory compliance.
• Independently coordinates with project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders to minimize impacts on the natural and/or cultural environment when reviewing project and/or program plans.
• Leads less complex environmental project/program reviews and provides assistance to higher level Environmental Specialists on the most complex environmental project/program reviews.
• Actively participates in meetings with project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders to resolve environmental or cultural resource compliance issues.
• May manage consultant contracts and budgets.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and with external agency representatives, regardless of the method of communication, for the purpose of clarifying underlying rationale, intent, and motive by educating others on unfamiliar concepts and theories.

Environmental Specialist III
 
This is the advanced level of environmental specialist work which includes leading and performing the analysis of environmental and cultural impacts of State projects and/or programs and coordination with state/federal agencies.

• Receives general supervision.
• Work is performed independently and reviewed at completion.
• Leads Environmental Specialists and/or contractual staff in reviewing complex environmental project/program and obtaining regulatory approvals by planning, scheduling, staffing, managing, and evaluating efforts.
• Facilitates meetings and coordinates with project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and external agency representatives, regardless of the method of communication, for the purpose of educating others on the benefits and intent of proper environmental compliance in order to gain support for projects and strategies.

Environmental Specialist IV
 
This level of environmental specialist work includes serving as a Department subject matter expert in the analysis and assessment of environmental and cultural impacts of State projects and/or programs. Incumbents at this level are a subject matter expert in one of the environmental specialty areas as listed in the Essential Functions.

• Leads and conducts broad studies and evaluations of the most complex environmental projects/programs to develop compliance plans that minimize impacts on the natural and/or cultural environment.
• Delegated as a recognized expert in an assigned environmental specialty area; provides expertise to project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders on all aspects of project/program plan review, resources, compliance issues, and mitigation strategies; and expert interpretation of related local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Serves as Department expert on the development and implementation of mitigation plans, specifications and monitoring plans.
• Formulates strategies that support objectives and activities of an environmental specialty or changes in direction and new initiatives.
• May represent the Cabinet Secretary at state, county and local levels at environmental meetings.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and external agency representatives, regardless of the method of communication, for the purpose of educating others on the benefits and intent of proper environmental compliance in order to gain support for projects and strategies. 

Environmental Specialist V

This class is the expert level in an environmental specialty requiring the highest level of technical expertise at the state, regional and national level.   This level is typically assigned as an expert over projects and programs impacting multiple specialty areas.  Positions at this level will report to top management/agency officials.

• Performs essential functions of the IV level.
• Acknowledged as expert environmental specialist at the state, regional and national level.
• Designs and conducts studies for the most complex environmental projects/programs.
• Accountable for problem solving in unique situations.
• Conducts quality assurance reviews of environmental specialist work including reviewing and making recommendations on training, performance and process improvement.
• Contacts include providing expert technical direction, guidance and assistance to division personnel, federal/state agencies, industry and private sector organizations.
• Appointed by Cabinet Secretary to represent the Department at the national and regional level on boards and professional association committees, such as, Transportation Research Board, AASHTO, Association of State Wetland Managers, to develop policy and professional standards.
• On a regular and continuing basis, represents Cabinet Secretary at state, regional and national levels at environmental meetings and conferences.

Environmental Specialist Supervisor

This is the supervisory level of environmental specialist work responsible for directing staff in the analysis and assessment of environmental and cultural impacts of State projects and/or programs and is a recognized expert in an assigned environmental specialty area. Work at this level may include functioning as full performance project leader in addition to performing work as a first line supervisor.

• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit, full time positions (per the Merit Rules), one of which must be in the Environmental Specialist series and cannot be limited to contractual staff. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, recommending hire/fire and discipline.
• Directs staff to ensure project delivery goals are met; evaluates project schedules and budgets; and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Ensures staff has the necessary training and development opportunities to perform their job duties and obtain their professional development goals.
• Manages consultant contracts and budgets by coordinating, overseeing, and evaluating the consultant's work, revieweing deliverables to ensure completeness, and approving invoices.
• Participates in the development of strategic initiatives and implementation of new environmental specialist methods and techniques, including the development of policies and procedures.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff, with others outside the supervisory chain, and resource agency representatives, regardless of the method of communication, primarily for the purpose of educating others on the benefits and intent of proper environmental processes in order to gain support for projects and strategies and to ensure compliance with requirements, goals and objectives of agency.

Environmental Specialist Manager

This is the management level of environmental specialist work responsible for providing comprehensive strategic and tactical environmental compliance for a Department to ensure State projects and/or programs avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental and cultural impacts.

• Manages staff directly and through subordinate supervisors.
• Directs environmental specialist work on behalf of the Department which includes ensuring that all environmental specialty areas are incorporated appropriately into environmental studies and approvals, as well as the implementation of the Department’s overall environmental commitments and stewardship.
• Administers multiple environmental and cultural programs/projects, providing leadership and direction in shaping a Department's objectives, long-range environmental planning programs, proposed legislation, policies and emerging technologies/methodologies that impact the Department's overall environmental planning functions.
• Develops strategic plans that determine operational, project and program goals and objectives; sets forth general policies.
• Develops and monitors budgetary or fiscal elements of operations, projects and/or programs.
• Provides environmental policy direction to agency officials, Governor's Office, and the General Assembly.
• Provides oversight and leadership for inter-agency and inter-governmental environmental activities ensuring consistency with existing policy and regulatory requirements.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff, with others outside the supervisory chain, and resource agency representatives, regardless of the method of communication, primarily for the purpose of providing leadership on State level environmental policy issues and new initiatives; advising management and others on environmental issues; developing, negotiating and managing public/private partnerships, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, goals and objectives of agency.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental science or cultural studies.
• Knowledge of the applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of conducting studies which includes data collection, compilation and analysis to make recommendations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of project management.
• Knowledge of the standard field analysis and reporting methodologies for the above listed specialty areas.
• Ability to research and interpret regulations.
• Ability to interpret maps, plans, specifications and standard construction details.
• Ability to enhance knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology, environmental science, and social sciences.
• Ability to conduct field studies.
• Ability to compile, analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with project managers, regulatory agencies, other project stakeholders and the public.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Environmental Specialist II requires:

• Skill in conducting studies and resource evaluations of routine environmental projects/programs.
• Skill in coordinating projects with project managers, regulatory agencies and other project stakeholders.
• Skill in technical report writing.
• Ability to conduct impact analysis and make related recommendations.
• Ability to facilitate groups, meetings and other public forums.
• Ability to resolve environmental or cultural resources compliance issues.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, comprehensive, and informative reports on technical matters in both technical and lay terms.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Environmental Specialist III requires:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of project leadership and project management.
• Skill in conducting studies and resource evaluations of complex environmental projects/programs.
• Skill in developing and leading studies, surveys and other environmental specialist work.
• Skill in formulating problems and designing and conducting research.
• Skill in collecting, compiling and analyzing data to make recommendations.
• Skill in building interpersonal relationships with peers, customers, public and private sector and state/federal officials.
• Ability to lead lower level Environmental Specialists and/or contractual staff in environmental project/program reviews.
• Ability to develop and recommended mitigation strategies and alternatives and express ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to mediate/facilitate groups, meetings and other public forums.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Environmental Specialist IV requires:

• Knowledge of the expert principles and practices of the environmental profession.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding sources and budgetary cycles and procedures.
• Skill in developing and implementing mitigation plans, specifications and monitoring plans.
• Skill in planning, coordinating and interpreting technical issues.
• Skill in ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations and department and division goals and objectives.
• Skill in applying analytical methods including computer and statistical methods to environmental problems and compliance issues.
• Ability to design and recommend goals, programs and revised methods.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Environmental Specialist V requires:

• Knowledge of innovative and sophisticated methods, techniques and procedures for research, investigation and analysis involving complex environmental quality and environmental resource management issues.
• Skill in developing national standards for the environmental profession.
• Skill in designing and conducting studies and resource evaluations of the most complex environmental projects/programs.
• Skill in conducting quality assurance and process improvement.
• Skill in processes formulation and public policy evaluation at the state, national and regional levels.
• Ability to development, implement and administer polices and guidelines.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Environmental Specialist Supervisor requires:

• Skill in the principles and practices of supervision.
• Skill in strategic planning and development.
• Skill in resolving the most complex environmental project and program issues.
• Skill in process formulation and public policy evaluation at the state, national and regional levels.
• Skill in supervising and evaluating of subordinate personnel.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Environmental Specialist Manager requires:

• Knowledge of budget processes and fiscal policy at the state and federal level.
• Skill in budget management.
• Skill in the principles and practices of management and administration.
• Skill in the analysis and development of legislation.
• Skill in managing agency or public/private partnerships.
• Skill in the principles and practices of producing and implementing public policy.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Environmental Specialist III
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Planning, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Science, Architectural History/Historical Preservation, Archaeology/Anthropology, or related field.
2. Two years’ experience in performing environmental specialist work which includes the analysis and assessment of environmental and/or cultural impacts of projects and/or programs.  
3. Two years' experience in analyzing and evaluating data.
4. Two years’ experience in technical report writing.
5. Two years’ experience in ensuring compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
6. One year experience in environmental project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating environmental projects to ensure objectives are met.