Va Dept Of Transportation - Suffolk, VA
posted about 2 months ago
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District is seeking a Senior Natural Resource Specialist to support construction and maintenance programs while protecting the natural environment. This role involves providing sound engineering and environmental consultation and services. The Senior Natural Resource Specialist will coordinate or conduct water quality field studies, biological impact studies, and wetland delineations early in the project development process. They will also plan for and develop avoidance and minimization alternatives for environmental resources during the scoping phase of project development. Quality control for both VDOT and consultant water quality design submittals will be a key responsibility, along with overseeing the development of permit packages and preparing permit applications consistent with advertisement dates. In addition, the specialist will provide leadership and environmental and engineering guidance district-wide related to design, water quality, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management (SWM), best management practices (BMPs), and endangered and threatened species. They will support project development and construction processes in accordance with environmental regulations, policies, procedures, and project schedules. The role also includes managing the water quality portion of the district environmental program and overseeing projects with significant or complex water quality issues to meet advertisement schedules. The Senior Natural Resource Specialist will develop wetland mitigation strategies, including the design of wetland compensation sites to facilitate the permitting of transportation projects. They will identify potential mitigation alternatives, perform site selection, and evaluate feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and constructability. The specialist will also represent VDOT in resolving water quality permit issues with local, state, and federal agencies throughout the project development process, ensuring timely issuance of water quality permits. They will act as an Environmental Liaison, providing guidance throughout project development and construction processes regarding environmental, design, and constructability issues, while maintaining knowledge of state and federal water quality laws and regulations to facilitate the development of transportation projects.