Environmental Scientist - NEPA Specialist

General Description

Under the guidance of the Regulatory Compliance and Planning Manager, the Environmental Scientist will provide National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) support to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Environmental Management Branch (EMB) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and assist the NASA KSC contractor and commercial tenant community with keeping NASA KSC in compliance with all regulations.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

• Review, evaluate, and interpret federal, state, and local regulations with the ability to convey these requirements to the NASA customer and KSC contractor and tenant community.
• Review project information including statements of work, site plans, and engineering drawings, and consult with subject matter experts to determine the potential environmental impacts associated with various proposed NASA and tenant projects.
• Lead the KSC environmental checklist process and partner with the NASA EMB to issue a Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) back to the requesting organization conveying guidance for waste management, land use controls for contaminated sites, cultural resources and protected species management, storage tank and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC), and permitting requirements including stormwater, wetlands, air, and wastewater.
• Provide oversight of the KSC NEPA database which manages the environmental checklist, site plan, and excavation permit review process, and implement updates and strategic changes that enhance the functionality of the database.
• Support and lead Environmental Due Diligence (EDD) assessment (Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment) as assigned.
• Research environmental topics and regulations to assist in policy and guidance development.
• Provide project management experience in coordinating and leading efforts regarding the development of RECs, review of environmental documents such as Biological Assessments (BA), Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
• Participate in reviews and updates of environmental documents, databases, and tools.

The duties and responsibilities described in this position description in no way state or imply that these are the only duties performed. This position may require that additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We Value You

• You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.
• You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across.
• You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.
• You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful.
• You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work.

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical discipline related to environmental science, planning, or policy; engineering; or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years KSC based experience or 5 years external relevant experience.
• Skilled in use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental regulations.
• Demonstrated experience with writing and reviewing environmental documents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and familiarity with KSC environmental requirements and property.
• Consultation experience with NEPA related projects.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, where the information being communicated includes precise data and terminology.
• Ability to read, analyze and understand written information including regulations, statements of work, site plans, and engineering drawings.
• Strong knowledge of ArcGIS, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Training and/or experience in preparation of reports/consultations related to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), and/or Section 404/401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Work Environment: Work will mainly be performed in an office setting with occasional outdoor activities and may require irregular hours.
• Travel: A low to moderate amount of travel away from office may be required.