Environmental planner Interview Questions
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Environmental Planner interview questions shared by candidates
What is the main difference between NEPA and CEQA?
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project description - alternatives - scoping - environmental setting - initial study - names of the environmental documents - mitigation measure monitoring - mitigation measure requirements Less
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NEPA is a disclosure process that assesses the impacts of reasonable alternatives and may choose the least damaging one. CEQA is an environmental impact analysis impact process that results in a decision document choosing the least damaging alternative Less
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Major difference is NEPA is federal (EIS) and CEQA is State of CA (EIR). If you left this out, can see why you would not get the job! Less
Please name all acronyms that you know in the environmental field and explain what they are for.
3 Answers↳
USFW: U.S. Fish &Wildlife BLM: Bureau of Land Management EPA: Environmental Protection Agency ACOE: U.S. Army Corps Engineers NES: Natural Environmental Study BA: Biological Assessment BO: Biological Opinion ESA: Endangered Species Act 2081 or ITP: Section 2081 of Fish and Game Code ITP: Incidental Take Permit NWP: Nationwide Permit California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Less
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USFW: U.S. Fish &Wildlife BLM: Bureau of Land Management EPA: Environmental Protection Agency ACOE: U.S. Army Corps Engineers NES: Natural Environmental Study BA: Biological Assessment BO: Biological Opinion ESA: Endangered Species Act 2081 or ITP: Section 2081 of Fish and Game Code ITP: Incidental Take Permit NWP: Nationwide Permit California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Less
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California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Less
I asked them how Caltrans had improved at protecting natural resources of the years.
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A non-supervisor answered that Caltrans had been steadily improving during his almost 2 decades of service. When I said I was really glad to hear that the supervisor said, "Okay that's enough," and ended the interview. Less
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That should have been your first tip. To run
IF your dealing with a oak wooldand near a wetland please explain the entire environmental planning process from start to finish?
2 Answers↳
Honestly its a 3 page answer look at chapter 6 of Caltrans Enviro Process.
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^^ correct. They wanted to see how much of it you could get. If you could mention that (The CT Env. Process) and give a GOOD outline of the process, you would score well; if you could quote all 3 pages line by line, you would put a smile on their faces (and probably blow them away). Oh yeah - sitting on an interview panel IS exhausting. 25-30+ interviews for one spot, you try not to let it show by #25.. Don't let it bother you. Less
How did you prepare for the job?
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I read the duty statement
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I read the job requirements summary
What is your biggest weakness? Horrible question, so tired of hearing it.
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My weakness is receiving that question.
How do you manage multiple tasks and deadlines?
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I broke down a list of priorities and deadlines, items which could not be addressed until other items earlier were needed to be done, and so on. Having a desk calendar also helps. If you're working with a team make sure there is CLEAR communication about who does what, and if you're a liason in between make sure everybody is clear as to what is required so everyone is on the same page. Less
Describe the laws pertaining to cultural resource management?
1 Answers↳
AB 52, SB 18, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act