Title: Project Review Assistant

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $43,000- $50,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Office

Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The project review section reviews over 250 projects a month identifying potential impacts to natural heritage resources (rare animals, rare plants, exemplary natural communities and significant geologic features). These projects are submitted by localities and state and federal regulatory agencies as well as by private consultants seeking information to meet local, state and federal regulatory needs.

Other information services provided by the project review section are DCR Digital Data Conservation Sites Subscription Service, custom maps and occurrence reports and Natural Heritage Data Explorer Subscription Service. This section also fills requests for fact sheets from teachers and students, naturalists, and other interested citizens in relation to natural heritage resources, native plants and invasive species.

We are currently recruiting for a Project Review Assistant that will:

Work with the Natural Heritage Environmental Review Team to manage delegated email inboxes to assure all projects are entered into the project review system.

Learn and implement the detailed Natural Heritage project review process for projects received by Natural Heritage and as part of the agency review process.

Enter projects into Access and heads up digitize projects using ArcGIS Pro or import spatial project data in ArcGIS Pro.

Conduct analysis for projects in ArcGIS Pro generating preliminary data reports.

Conduct secondary review of proposed projects through research and coordination with Natural Heritage staff to determine potential impacts to natural heritage resource (rare plants, rare animals, significant communities, and karst) habitat.

Develop concise well written letters including recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts to natural heritage resources.

Based on environmental regulations, coordinate with other federal and state agencies as well as internal and external partners for the conservation of natural heritage resources.

Participate in meetings representing the Natural Heritage Program.

Check and append databases.

Support the online Natural Heritage Data Explorer application including project submittal and test new functionality.

Enter and manage data license agreements in Access Database. Manage the coordination of new and renewal license agreements.

Prepare outreach materials and participate in outreach events representing the Natural Heritage Program.

Participate in workdays at DCR's natural area preserves and/or volunteer invasive removal events at local parks.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of biology, conservation biology, or environmental science
Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws and regulatory processes
Digitizing and analysis experience in ArcGIS Pro
Data entry experience in Access and using Microsoft Office software
Attention to project detail

Additional Considerations

Environmental review experience
Natural Heritage experience

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.
DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.
Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Contact Information

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Phone:

Email:

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.