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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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
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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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project description - alternatives - scoping - environmental setting - initial study - names of the environmental documents - mitigation measure monitoring - mitigation measure requirements 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?
2 Answers↳
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
