Environmental Planner

Position Description

Mission Statement:

The Mission of the Harris County Engineering Department is to provide accessible service to all residents and partners while delivering innovative infrastructure solutions.

Vision Statement:

As a recognized infrastructure leader in the community, we strive to continuously improve the quality of life for our residents by enhancing our operations to provide a safe and sustainable environment.

• Respond to Environmental Services request for projects as submitted by Project Management Office, Technical or Capital Project both vertical and horizontal Division and manage subsequent environmental support tasks.
• Manage consultants as necessary to perform designated support tasks, including requesting, reviewing, and approving proposals and bids to perform work and providing quality control and quality assurance of deliverables received from consultants and contractors.
• Attend project team meetings and provide environmental compliance recommendations and status updates.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations with an emphasis on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Assist in the review and preparation of federal grant applications as they relate to NEPA compliance issues and assist in strategic project selection for grant funding application in coordination with engineering staff and consultants.
• Support communications with the public and with environmental organizations, and coordinate with other District departmental staff, other local governments, State and Federal governments, and non-profit organizations to facilitate joint use projects within Harris County facilities.
• Provide project management for environmental research and investigations, as required, and track projects in the Harris County Engineering Department applicable project tracking database.
• During emergency response situations for our community, such as hurricanes or floods, the position may be tasked with additional duties. Not all duties and responsibilities may be included in the above description

NOTE: Criminal and CPS background check required prior to hiring and E-Verify upon hiring. All candidates are screened for the presence of illegal drugs.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Environmental Geosciences, Environmental Studies, Water Resources, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or other related study from an ABET accredited university

• Seven (7) years of professional experience in environmental regulatory coordination, environmental consulting, or environmental project management.

• Valid driver’s license (Texas upon hire), and a good driving record

• Knowledge of the environmental issues regarding hazardous materials, wetlands, sensitive habitats, cultural resources, stormwater, and other regulatory considerations related to the development and construction of various public infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of Regulatory compliance, including:
  • USACE Waters of the U.S (WOTUS) Regulations and Section 404/Section 10 permitting
  • National Environmental Policy Act
  • ASTM standards for Phase I ESA
  • Texas Antiquities Code
  • Endangered Species Act
  • Migratory Bird Treaty Act
  • Texas Risk Reduction Program
  • Voluntary Cleanup Program
  • TPDES Stormwater General Permit for Construction Activities
  • Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank Cleanups
  • Brownfields
• Good oral and written communication and analytical skills.
• Must be computer literate and have the ability to produce reports using Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or in a team environment.
• Utilize good organizational skills and effectively prioritize and schedule multiple tasks/initiatives.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering and Architect plans.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education & Experience:

• Masters of Science Degree in in Environmental Geosciences, Environmental Studies, Water Resources, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or other related study from an ABET accredited university (preferred)

• Five (5) + years' experience years for professional experience in environmental regulatory coordination, consulting or environmental project management. (preferred)

• Able to utilize handheld Trimble GPS system to conduct environmental surveys. (preferred)
• A working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS desktop. (preferred)

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week
• Monday - Friday
• Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.
  

• Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods

• Work is performed both indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions and noise levels, as well as outdoors as dictated by work requirements.
• Extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor).
• May be exposed to fluids, compounds or chemicals used in office environments and outdoor project areas.
• Sitting for extended periods of time with frequent standing and walking and occasional ascending/descending stairs.
• Visits to outdoor locations for compliance verification visits - exposure to heat, humidity, rain, and wind.
• Occasional exertion of up to 20 pounds of force and/or a negligible amount of constant force necessary to move objects.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Wellness
• Professional development opportunity
• Flexible spending account
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Retirement pension (TCDRS)
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program)
• Disability and life insurance
• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
• 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan