Transportation Planner 2(Wetland & Water Resources Permitting Specialist)

Introduction

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is now accepting applications for a challenging and exciting Transportation Planner 2 position in the Environmental Permitting Unit, within the Office of Environmental Planning at our headquarters in Newington.

The Environmental Permitting Unit identifies permitting needs for Department projects and acquires permit approvals for projects that impactwetland and water resources. The unit prepares environmental permit applications and reports for in-house design projects and oversees and reviews consultant prepared permit applications for content and accuracy, ensuring project schedules are met.

The unit also acts as the main liaison with Federal and State regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CTDEEP).The unit also assists in field work associated with wetland, water, and natural resource identification, habitat assessments, and mitigation planning/design.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
• Join an award winning agency! CTDOT was recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!

THE ROLE

We are seeking a dynamic motivated candidate for this opportunity, to work collaboratively with our design teams to identify and analyze potential impacts to wetland and water resources and obtain necessary permits for Department projects. This position will be responsible for performing wetland and ordinary highwater delineations, including vegetation and soil surveys,environmental studies, habitat assessments and analysis, overseeing task-based consultants, and will require regular field work in varying weather conditions.

The Transportation Planner 2 position requires knowledge and experience in each of the following:

• State and Federal water and natural resource identification and assessment of potential water and natural resource impacts
• Assessment of avoidance, minimization, and mitigation techniques to be applied when reviewing transportation projects
• Both State and Federal water and water resource permitting requirements
• Both Federal and State related environmental topics and issues, as well as the ability to read and interpret laws and regulations as they apply to FHWA, FTA, and FRA and State funded projects

Examples of Duties

• Conducts field work and planning studies relative to all transportation modes for the movement of people and goods
• Conducts and directs surveys related to environmental studies, land use, and transportation needs; develops, coordinates and evaluates transportation programs
• Collects, analyzes and updates data related to impacts of transportation facilities, projects and programs and makes recommendations based on this analysis; performs trend, economic and environmental analyses of transportation related data
• Prepares statistical and written reports and environmental impact statements; reviews studies, surveys and technical documents for conformance with department standards, needs and state and federal laws and regulations
• Provides planning assistance and coordinates activities and projects with local, regional, state, and federal agencies, private consultants and stakeholders
• Investigates and responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding transportation plans, programs and/or projects
• Reviews proposed legislation and distributes information
• May perform site analysis work
• Performs related duties as required

Duties and responsibilities also include, but are not limited to:

• Production and review of reports required to identify water and natural resources and proposed measures to minimize impacts to resources, preparation and review of permit applications, coordination documents, and supporting materials for all types of transportation projects
• Ability to read and interrupt design plans, project management skills, working collaboratively with project engineers and design teams, coordinating with State and Federal regulatory agencies and resource personnel
• Use of ArcGIS or related software

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Monday - Friday
• Full-time (40 hours per week)
• First shift
• Location: Newington, CT
• P-4 (Engineering, Scientific and Technical) bargaining unit
• This position is eligible to apply for telework after successful completion of the working test period, and thereafter, in accordance with the Telework Policy. The Policy can be found here. Employees in their initial working test period must work on site in the office

Incumbents in this class are required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, and may be required to travel, primarily within the state, and perform duties in the field. Field work in all weather conditions will be required. This position will report to a Transportation Supervising Planner or an employee of a higher grade.

ABOUT US


As one of Connecticut's largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five bureaus. It is the DOT's mission to improve quality of life through transportation. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development while preserving environmental and cultural resources. The Department of Transportation is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged.


Learn more about our mission, vision, and values by clicking here!

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits:List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Sharon McIntosh, at Sharon.McIntosh@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Airport Authority this class is accountable for acting as a working lead and/or for performing the most complex tasks in transportation planning studies, programs and related activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

WORKING LEAD LEVEL:

• As assigned by a supervisor, distributes, prioritizes, oversees and reviews office unit work;
• Provides staff training and assistance;
• Conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations;
• Acts as liaison with operating units, agencies, consultant staffs and other outside officials regarding unit office policies and standards;
• Prepares correspondence;
• Performs related duties as required.

ADVANCED LEVEL:

• Performs complex tasks and assignments in developing, coordinating and reviewing transportation planning programs;
• Recommends, coordinates or participates in transportation demonstration projects;
• Participates in preparation and negotiation of agreements and contracts;
• Oversees and participates in corridor studies;
• Prepares and reviews reports, studies and surveys in compliance with department standards and needs and state and federal laws and regulations;
• Coordinates activities or projects with local, regional, state and federal agencies, consultants and stakeholders as required;
• Reviews consultants’ work;
• Investigates and responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding transportation plans, programs and/or projects;
• May make presentations at legislative or public hearings;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of multi-modal transportation planning theory, practices and methodologies;
• Knowledge of environmental considerations involved in transportation planning;
• Skills
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • develop and use computer software including planning models and other programs related to planning process;
  • forecast trends based upon empirical data;
  • comprehend and interpret laws and regulations;
• Analytical ability;
• Lead ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Seven (7) years of professional experience in transportation civil engineering or transportation, urban, regional or environmental planning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must include individual responsibility for the coordination of complex planning projects in a relevant planning area.

NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Transportation Planner 1 or Transportation Engineer 2.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, biology, natural resources management Transportation / Regional / Urban Planning or Studies, Civil Engineering, Geography, Construction Management, or closely related degree
• Experience preparing and reviewing permit applications and supporting documents
• Experience identifying permitting requirements for projects, as well as preparing and reviewing compensatory mitigation plans
• Experience with identification, delineation and assessment of inland and tidal wetlands, watercourses (ordinary highwater), soils, wetland vegetation, and floodplains
• Experience with relevant State and federal laws and regulations particularly in regard to the Clean Water Act and Connecticut Inland and tidal wetland permitting requirements
• Experience with coastal resource identification, navigable waters and wetland function and value assessments
• Experience working collaboratively with design professionals, other State and Federal agencies, outside stakeholders, elected officials and the public
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365, ESRI ArcGIS and related software and interpreting other published documents and media such as aerial photography
• Experience developing presentations and effectively delivering complex materials to a variety of audiences, in both written and verbal formats

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.