Environmental Specialist II - Climate Change Policy Specialist

The Climate Change Policy Specialist will assist with implementation of Delaware’s Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant, implementation of the 2025 Delaware Climate Action Plan (CAP), and support state greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory data collection and updates. Assignments will also include technical analyses of GHG reduction strategies and modeling of future conditions & climate change impacts with DNREC staff and external consultants. The incumbent will support a workgroup of technical experts charged with developing GHG projections and identifying strategies for improving state GHG modeling. This position is on the team engaging the public & technical stakeholders to implement GHG emissions reduction strategies in Delaware.

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.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Environmental Specialist II
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/Historic Preservation, Archaeology/Anthropology, or related field.
2. One year experience in performing environmental specialist work which includes the analysis and assessment of environmental and/or cultural impacts of projects and/or programs.
3. One year experience in analyzing and evaluating data.
4. One year experience in technical report writing.
5. One year experience in ensuring compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
6. Six months’ experience in environmental project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating environmental projects to ensure objectives are met.

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework and Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview. 

This position is Limited Term for up to 2 years, and may be extended should funding be available.

DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.  You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email DHR_ADAConcerns@delaware.gov for additional applicant services support.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.