Public Involvement Specialist
State of Nebraska

Job Info

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The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Transportation - Agency 27

Location:
Lincoln Job Posting

Hiring Rate:
$27.584

Classification Salary Range:
$27.58 - $40.66

Job Posting:
JR2024-00005136 Public Involvement Specialist (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:
The Nebraska Department of Transportation's (NDOT) Communications & Public Policy Division is seeking a public involvement specialist to join its Public Involvement Team. This person will join a high-performing team that engages and communicates with Nebraska's communities regarding state transportation and infrastructure projects, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This includes community outreach, stakeholder engagement, public education, and feedback collection and analysis.

As an NDOT employee, you will join a team of 2,000 dedicated professionals performing important work to provide Nebraska with a safe and efficient transportation system. NDOT is a friendly and supportive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. We provide training and career development, advancement opportunities, ample paid time off, and work-life balance.

We reward our employee's hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates

Pay range is $27.584 - $40.661 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

JOB DUTIES:

• Coordinate special projects, such as department and Governor initiatives, as assigned.
• Communicate with designers, engineers, local public agencies (LPAs), and consultants regarding completeness and accuracy of project information and documentation under review; explain required information and procedures for public involvement activities required on federal aid projects and/or by Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT); recommend actions to correct errors and deficiencies within the process of program and project delivery.
• Review, write, rewrite, and edit documents according to the Revised Code of Federal Regulations, Nebraska State Statutes, NDOT Rules and Regulations, NDOT's Public Involvement Procedures, Title VI, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and any other Federal/State oversight agency with jurisdictional requirements applicable to NDOT highway improvement projects and environmental or civil rights implementation.
• Although limited clerical assistance is provided, will also be responsible for preparing official correspondence, public notices, project and process information, scheduling the public notices and news releases, meeting logistics, compiling and distributing solicited public comments, and drafting appropriate responses per NDOT Public Involvement Procedures.
• Investigate and document when project information is incomplete/inaccurate. Identify and assess risks to the project delivery process. This will include tracking project progression and documenting risks as well as recommending options to mitigate risk with the intent to streamline processes and procedures to improve project/program delivery.
• Provide assistance to Supervisor and NDOT management, as needed.
• Maintain communication between the Public Involvement Unit, other NDOT sections and divisions, consultants, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regarding proper procedures, regulations, policies, and process changes. Experience and proven knowledge of community organization practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Two year post high school degree or equivalent coursework/training in public administration, business administration, communications, regional or community planning, social sciences, education, or human rights, and one year of experience in project management, public policy, marketing, and/or planning. Additional years of experience in comparable fields of work listed may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in communication, pre-law, business, or related degree. Experience working in public involvement, public affairs, prelaw, business, business communications, and/or specializing in government or administration assistance. Experience reviewing technical public documents, and interpreting laws, rules, regulations, and processes. Experience reviewing and evaluating administrative records and reports, writing for legal documents, or proven commensurate training.

Other:

Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation. Must be available for out-of-town overnight travel. Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles, techniques, and goals of public and group communication and information dissemination.
• The principles and practices of planning, organizing, administering, and monitoring program activities.
• Training and educational methods.
• Codes of Federal Regulations and NEPA; laws, regulations, rules, policies, and other directives governing agency and federal programs and operations such as ADA programs from the Department of Justice and establishing accommodations upon public request.
• General social or economic conditions of Nebraska.

Skill in:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Interact with program representatives, agency staff, and public officials with different viewpoints and interests.
• Provide information and listen to groups and individuals with varying backgrounds and needs by using different approaches.
• Strong computer skills and ability to use PA systems, current technology, and information systems.

Ability to:

• Communicate with others in person, and by correspondence and electronic means to explain program and operational requirements and courses of action.
• Examine local conditions and federal requirements pertinent to agency program and project plans and policies.
• Compile and summarize data, identify and interpret vital elements, and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Prioritize, multi-task, and be detail-oriented.
• Work with a team and maintain consistency while meeting strict deadlines.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! For more information on benefits currently offered to permanent teammates, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.

This job has expired.