Environmental Protection Specialist

The Environmental Protection Specialist at FEMA in Charleston, WV, is a senior-level role focused on disaster recovery programs. Responsibilities include conducting environmental compliance reviews, analyzing NEPA documentation, and providing technical assistance. The position requires experience in environmental laws and collaboration with stakeholders. It is a temporary appointment with the potential for renewal and may involve irregular hours due to emergency operations.
About the position

The Environmental Protection Specialist position at FEMA is a senior-level role focused on supporting disaster recovery programs within FEMA Region 3, specifically in Charleston, WV. The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting environmental and historic preservation compliance reviews, ensuring that all projects adhere to relevant laws and regulations. This role requires a deep understanding of various environmental laws and Executive Orders, enabling the specialist to independently evaluate complex projects and prepare detailed technical reports and assessments. The position also involves direct coordination with stakeholders to ensure compliance practices and policies are effectively implemented. In this role, the Environmental Protection Specialist will serve as a senior analyst and advisor, managing intricate environmental compliance reviews and providing technical assistance to both colleagues and external stakeholders. Key responsibilities include analyzing proposed actions to determine the necessary level of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, completing environmental compliance reviews for both disaster and non-disaster programs, and conducting training and outreach initiatives to educate stakeholders on compliance requirements. Collaboration with regulatory agencies is essential to resolve issues and maintain workflow continuity. FEMA emphasizes its mission to assist individuals before, during, and after disasters, and every employee plays a vital role in emergency management. While not all positions require routine deployment to disaster sites, all employees may be subject to recall for emergency operations, which can involve irregular hours and work in challenging conditions. The position is classified as a temporary appointment under the Stafford Act, with the potential for renewal based on workload and funding. After three years of continuous service, employees may gain competitive eligibility for permanent positions within FEMA.

Responsibilities
• Serve as a senior-level analyst and advisor for environmental compliance reviews.
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• Analyze proposed actions to determine the appropriate level of NEPA documentation.
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• Complete environmental compliance reviews for both disaster and non-disaster programs.
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• Conduct training and outreach to internal and external stakeholders.
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• Collaborate with regulatory agencies to resolve compliance issues.

Requirements
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the IC-11 level in the Federal government, demonstrating skills in evaluating impacts to environmental or historic resources.
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• Experience coordinating with internal and external partners to provide technical guidance.
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• Ability to write standard operating procedures, guidance documents, or consultation letters related to environmental compliance.
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• For IC-13 level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the IC-12 level, including drafting and reviewing environmental policies and impact statements.
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• Experience leading or directing work to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Nice-to-haves
• Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other relevant environmental laws.
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• Experience in emergency management or disaster recovery programs.

Benefits
• Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
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• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held.