Environmental Specialist II

Department: OSP - Engineering & Design

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Lubbock, TX

Reporting To: Ann Montgomery

Description

JSI invites you to join our team as an Environmental Specialist II on our Fiber and Implementation team in Lubbock, Texas where you'll play a critical role in advancing broadband and telecommunications initiatives that expand connectivity and drive digital inclusion—while advancing your career within a mission-driven, growth-focused organization.

About the Company:
JSI is a leading full-service consulting firm specializing in broadband solutions. For over 60 years, we have provided independent communications service providers with expert financial, engineering, management, operational, regulatory, and strategic guidance. Our extensive industry knowledge and proven track record of success have empowered clients to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. With clients nationwide and a powerful presence in markets across the United States, JSI empowers rural and regional broadband providers to expand, evolve, and excel in a rapidly shifting digital world.

Position Overview:
As an Environmental Specialist II on the Fiber and Implementation team, you will be responsible for supporting the environmental and permitting aspects of telecommunications grant and construction projects by researching, preparing, and submitting applications to municipalities and regulatory agencies for fiber optic infrastructure projects. JSI is seeking a full-time Environmental Specialist II with extensive federal agency coordination experience, strong NEPA and Endangered Species Act expertise, advanced GIS and data analysis skills, and a proven ability to support environmental permitting, compliance, and grant‑funded infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

Evaluate environmental findings identified during project reviews to assess potential impacts and define appropriate mitigation measures.
Coordinate with federal and state agencies to secure environmental permits and regulatory clearances for construction activities.
Support state and local land-use and environmental permitting efforts, including conditional and special use permits and certificates of environmental compatibility.
Contribute to project compliance and field support activities, including budget tracking, milestone coordination, and proposal or scope-of-work development.
Manage and coordinate survey activities between third-party consultants and federal agencies to ensure regulatory alignment and timely approvals.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related sciences; OR 30 credit hours in Biology combined with relevant field experience.

Bachelor‑level academic training in biology, ecology, and environmental sciences, combined with extensive applied field and research experience.
Conducted long‑term biological field investigations, habitat assessments, and environmental monitoring initiatives.
Integrated academic biological training with real‑world environmental compliance, conservation planning, and regulatory support.

5–10 years of demonstrated environmental agency permitting experience:

Supported environmental permitting and compliance efforts across federally funded and regulated projects, including infrastructure and conservation initiatives.
Participated in agency review processes, environmental documentation development, and regulatory coordination.
Applied environmental regulations to real‑world project planning, monitoring, and compliance scenarios across multi‑year programs.

Knowledge of working with federal agencies such as USACE, FERC, BLM, USFS, USFWS, and/or other state/local agencies:

Direct experience working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as a contractor supporting federal environmental programs.
Active participation in Upper and Lower Basin Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Workgroups, involving coordination with federal and state agencies.
Ongoing collaboration with multi‑agency research teams and conservation committees, supporting environmental review and project compliance.

Understanding of rules and regulations accompanying Federal Grant dollars (NEPA, Section 106, Section 7 ESA, State Archaeological Agency)

Supported projects requiring NEPA‑related environmental review, environmental impact evaluation, and regulatory documentation.
Conducted endangered species monitoring and habitat assessments, directly supporting Section 7 Endangered Species Act compliance.
Contributed to environmental documentation and data analysis used in federally funded projects subject to federal and state regulatory requirements.

Skill with Google Earth, QGIS, Excel, Word, and SiteTracker:

Extensive experience with GIS platforms, including ArcGIS and DIVA‑GIS, for environmental assessment and spatial analysis.
Applied GIS and spatial tools for habitat mapping, environmental impact analysis, and project siting evaluation.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and Word for data analysis, reporting, technical documentation, and agency correspondence.

Language and communication skills to write letters to agencies, draft reports on endangered species, and negotiate avoidance/mitigation:

Authored technical reports, environmental documentation, and scientific publications addressing habitat impacts, endangered species, and risk assessment.
Prepared environmental narratives and supporting documentation suitable for agency review and compliance decisions.
Communicated complex environmental data to technical and non‑technical stakeholders, supporting mitigation discussions and regulatory clarity.

Able to resolve conflicts in a timely and professional manner:

Navigated complex regulatory environments involving multiple agencies, stakeholders, and scientific priorities.
Applied professional judgment and collaborative problem‑solving to balance compliance requirements, project constraints, and research objectives.
Demonstrated leadership through mentorship, interagency coordination, and professional presentation of findings.

Benefits and Compensation

Competitive salary + performance-based bonuses.
Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k)).
Generous PTO and travel support.
Ongoing professional development and educational opportunities.

Responsibilities

Required Qualifications

Benefits and Compensation

About John Staurulakis (jsitel.com)