The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Fredericksburg District is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist Senior. This position is responsible for supporting VDOT construction and maintenance programs and to protect the natural environment by providing sound engineering and environmental consultation and services.As a Natural Resource Specialist you will:Provide leadership and environmental guidance district-wide related to design, water quality, erosion and sediment control, SWM, BMPs, and endangered and threatened species. Support project development and construction processes consistent with environmental regulations, policies, procedures and project schedules. Monitor and update CEDAR software program. Manage water quality portion of the district environmental program. Manage projects that have significant or complex water quality related issues to meet advertisement schedules.Represent VDOT in resolving water quality permit issues and conditions with local, state and federal agencies throughout the project development process to ensure timely issuance of water quality permits. Act as Environmental Liaison, providing guidance throughout project development and construction processes regarding environmental, design and constructability issues. Provide expert technical advice to construction and maintenance personnel regarding on-going projects and activities to remain environmentally compliant on projects. Maintain knowledge of state and federal water quality laws and regulations to facilitate development of transportation projects.Coordinate or conduct water quality field studies or surveys, biological impact studies and wetland delineations early in the project development process. Plan for and develop avoidance and minimization alternatives for environmental resources in the scoping phase of project development. Provide quality control for both VDOT and consultant water quality design submittals. Oversee development of permit packages. Assemble design and environmental data and prepare permit applications consistent with ad dates. Present projects at the Interagency Coordination Meeting and acquire permits to meet ad schedules.Assist in the development of wetland mitigation strategies, including the design of wetland compensation sites to facilitate the permitting of transportation projects. Identify potential mitigation alternatives and perform site selection in project development process. Study potential mitigation sites to evaluate feasibility, cost effective and constructability. Develop conceptual and final design, vegetation schedule, typical sections, outlet control structures, construction and vegetation notes, monitoring requirements and special provisions to facilitate construction of mitigation site. Design wetlands, stream and riparian restoration alternatives to meet permit requirements.Provide engineering and technical advice to the district and residency staff as a certified erosion and sediment control and stormwater management inspector. Review and process burrow and disposal sites and ensure they are in compliance with VDOT policies and procedures. Inspect construction sites for compliance to the ES Control and Storm Water regulations.Conduct on-site inspections of both maintenance and construction projects to ensure the project is meeting the commitments outlined in the water quality permits.This position is designated as essential to emergency operations and may be required to work outside of normal work hours, on weekends and holidays during emergency situations which may include but are not limited to inclement weather, disaster response and emergency operations to ensure the safety of the traveling public.In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDOT offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Minimum Qualifications:Experience in the application of environmental requirements to transportation or similar operations.Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local transportation and environmental rules, regulations, policies and practices.Training and experience in construction inspection, such as asbestos safety awareness and hazard communications.Experience working with project proponents to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts.Experience reading highway engineering plans.Experience in wetland delineation and permitting.Skill in the use of computers and software applications.Preferred Qualifications:Degree in environmental or natural sciences, forestry, biology, chemistry, geology, hydrology or related field.Progressively responsible experience managing complex projects in the transportation engineering and construction industry.Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) or Professional Wetlands Scientist (PWS) designation.Knowledge of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, 1987 COE Wetland Delineation Manual, wetland ecology and management.Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Stormwater Inspectors certification.Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. H1B VISA Sponsorship is not available.Fingerprint-based criminal history background check, DMV driving record check, pre-employment physical, drug screen, references, and work history will be required prior to employment. Valid driver's license and safety shoes required.Limited Telework options to be determined by manager according to business need.VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: or call DARS at 800- 552-5019.State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:59 pm on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Job Board/Recruitment Management System (RMS). Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided in the application and optional resume; therefore, those who fully represent their qualifications and work history will be more successful with obtaining an interview. Submitting an incomplete application and/or resume lacking job history and relevant experience detail may impact interview eligibility. State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application"A' in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position.We are a "Virginia Values Veterans"A' (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.