Environmental Quality Program Specialist

Job Level: Mid-level
Location: Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
# of Positions Available: 1
Annual Salary: $110,000 – $124,000

Position Summary

Position is a subject matter expert directly supporting sustainable planning and Environmental Quality (EQ) activities as they relate to military operational, environmental, and engineering support for natural and cultural resource management. Ensures the Air Force is meeting all environmental standards applicable to its present operations; planning its future activities to minimize environmental impacts; responsibly managing natural and cultural resources; and eliminating pollution from its activities wherever possible.

Position is located at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Overnight travel may be required.

This position may be eligible for hybrid in-office/remote work, dependent on sponsor approval. Position is contingent on funding.

Duties/Responsibilities

Provides subject matter expert advice and guidance to AFCEC Environmental Managers.
Responsible for identifying Environmental Quality (EQ) requirements and recommending changes and improvements related to EQ activities; recommends strategic direction and develops clear goals and metrics. Identify EQ requirements, establish EQ objectives; Prepare statements of objectives, ensure protection of natural infrastructure and compliance with regulations in the PPBE (planning, program, budget, execution) process; develop new methods and approaches in EQ planning; recommend and develop new areas of research.
Interface with staff on issues related to the EQ program; establish clear lines of communication to advise and inform AFCEC on EQ program activities and issues; Prepare briefings, brochures, fact sheets, meeting presentations.
Participate in data calls and work with teams to collaborate on EQ activities. Support and utilize the EQ database, and other DoD databases and dashboards.
Routinely provides program support, including general integration, planning and execution support; interprets and develops policy and operating procedures.
Develops funding recommendations for conservation, compliance and pollution prevention.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biology, or a related field.
More than 6 years post graduate experience supporting environmental /sustainable planning and management programs.
Familiarity with Environmental Quality requirements and have experience in all aspects of PPBE (planning, programming, budgeting and execution); building budgets, preparing scopes of work, budgetary planning and experience tracking project execution.
Proven experience briefing senior Air Force leadership and Installation / Wing commanders, or other similar senior personnel and preparing briefing materials, fact sheets, and program management reviews.
Must be able to pass the background for a Common Access Card (CAC) and other levels of clearance as required.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in Environmental Planning, Ecology or related field.
Experience working in a highly structured organization such as governmental agencies, the military, or corporations with clearly defined lines of authority.
Demonstrated experience working with a wide range of information to analyze and determine the nature and scope of problems.
Working knowledge of Air Force Instructions, directives, guidance and processes related to environmental compliance and EQ.
Prior experience with Air Force eDash or Virtual Environmental Management Office Environmental (VEMO) and other DoD database management systems.
Prior experience writing fact sheets and briefings to Senate and House Armed Services Committee members, professional staff and military liaisons.

About CEMML

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is a research, education, and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and other CSU departments to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

Application Instructions

Apply By Date: December 31, 2025

Full job description and application instructions link (NOTE: This position is being hired through CEMML’s Open Pool): https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/168359

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. To learn more, please visit:

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.