Want to work on projects that shape how Central Texas grows?

The Austin District is looking for a NEPA Project Manager ( Environmental Project Planner) I, II, or III who’s excited to dive into meaningful transportation projects across our 11‑county district. You’ll get hands‑on experience with a wide range of projects, collaborate with knowledgeable and passionate teammates, and tackle real‑world environmental challenges in one of the fastest‑growing areas in Texas. If you enjoy problem‑solving, working with diverse partners, and seeing your efforts turn into projects that improve communities, this could be a great fit!

Work includes serving as the liaison with state and federal resource agencies, environmental and special interest groups, consultant staff, and internal project sponsors. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details; may perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

This position is for TWO Environmental Project Planner I, II, or III . The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

Salary Plan/Grade:
Environmental Project Planner I: B22 ($57,614.00 - $93,138.00/yearly)
Environmental Project Planner II: B24 ($65,104.00 - $106,634.00/yearly)
Environmental Project Planner III: B26 ($76,530.00 - $129,430.00/yearly)

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at:Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

This position coordinates and manages environmental planning activities associated with transportation projects for the Department. Work includes serving as the liaison with state and federal resource agencies, environmental and special interest groups, consultant staff, and internal project sponsors. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details; may perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

Essential duties for an Environmental Project Planner I, II, or III includes:

• Represents the Department regarding routine environmental issues.

• Consults and coordinates with districts project managers, planners, engineers, and environmental staff on refinement of projects to avoid and minimize environmental impacts.

• Consults and coordinates with representatives of regulatory agencies, special interest groups, the public, and Department personnel related to environmental resources.

• Coordinates and processes permits and licenses with resource and requlatorv aqencies related to environmental resources.

• Evaluates potential environmental impact of transportation projects on noise, air, hazardous materials, biological, water, geological, socioeconomic, environmental justice, protected lands (Section 4(f), Section 6(f), and Chapter 26), and cultural (historic and archeological) resources.

• Prepares and reviews routine environmental related schedules, scopes of work, and deliverables for project delivery prepared by department staff and consultants.

• Prepares technical studies, in support of categorical exclusions, to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Reviews, evaluates, monitors and approves consultant work related to environmental studies.

• Schedules and coordinates public involvement activities for related environmental/planning projects and environmental/planning studies.

• Conducts and coordinates field surveys, assessments, and project investigations for incorporation into environmental technical studies.

• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned. This position may require driving a state vehicle.

Additional essential duties for an Environmental Project Planner II or III includes:

• Assists with development, writing, reviewing, and preparation of contracts, statements of work, work authorizations, amendments, supplements, forms, and related documents including spreadsheets and financial/statistical graphs and reports related to environmental studies.

• Prepares complex environmental related reports and technical analyses, illustrating data graphically and translating complex/technical information into written text.

• Presents information on various environmental programs, projects and activities at public and professional meetings, seminars and conferences.

• Prepares technical studies, categorical exclusions, and environmental assessments to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Additional essential duties for an Environmental Project Planner III includes:

• Develops, writes, revises, approves, and prepares contracts, statements of work, work authorizations, amendments, supplements, forms, and related documents including spreadsheets and financial/statistical graphs and reports related to environmental studies.

• Prepares technical studies, categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Represents the Department regarding complex environmental issues.

• Provides technical expertise and guidance to districts and administrative staff related to environmental laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. Related experience in environmental, planning, project management or other related fields may be substituted for education. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience

Environmental Project Planner I: None

Environmental Project Planner II:3 YEARS environmental, planning, project management or other relevant experience

Environmental Project Planner III: 5 YEARS environmental, planning, project management or other relevant experience

(Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated parttime equivalent)

Licenses and Certifications

Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:

Competencies for an Environmental Project Planner I, II, or III includes:

• Writing methodologies and strategies to develop and implement appropriate informational and educational materials related to environmental studies and activities

• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and records management

• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

• Using computers, applications including (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat), or related applications and systems

• Using photographic and field equipment applicable to area of responsibility

• Researching, analyzing, developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information specific to functional area

• Build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions and negotiating settlement of differences without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening techniques to determine other parties' positions in a direct and diplomatic manner

• Manage, monitor, evaluate, and report on environmental programs and project activities

• Shows initiative and action beyond what is required to improve products or services; is self-starting and completes assignments independently without constant supervision

Additional competencies for an Environmental Project Planner II or III includes:

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

• Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers

Additional competencies for an Environmental Project Planner III includes:

• Environmental laws, regulations, and mitigation requirements

• Air quality, archeological resources, biological resources, community impacts, non-archeological historic resources, hazardous materials, or water resources management methods and procedures

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Visual Acuity-determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures
  

Conditions of Employment:
Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

Click on the appropriate occupational category to view the MOS codes.

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Additional Applicant Information for applicants