[Hiring] Senior NEPA Specialist @Olsson

Role Description

At Olsson, we help our clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes with ease. We ensure proactive compliance with key environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Our approach and use of the latest and best methods help clients achieve their project goals while protecting our natural resources.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Environmental and Permitting Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will:

• Lead natural resource evaluations and permitting efforts, including developing strategies for large, complex projects.
• Coordinate fieldwork and reporting.
• Write reports and provide technical guidance to staff.
• Engage proactively with clients, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Manage budgets, invoicing, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery.

The ideal candidate will have established relationships with local, state, and federal permitting agencies, with focused experience in NEPA planning and compliance, and a strong understanding of key environmental programs such as:

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Developing required transportation NEPA documentation: Categorical Exclusion, Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Statement, interfacing with agencies (e.g., lead federal agency, state agencies, State Historic Preservation Office [SHPO], USACE, USFWS) to secure necessary reviews and guidance, and coordinating a multidisciplinary team.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating federal, state, and local regulations, and liaising with transportation agencies like FRA (preferred), DOT, and FHWA and keeping a pulse of evolving environmental law.
• Public Engagement and Outreach: Organizing public meetings and workshops and gathering community input, soliciting community input to shape projects, communicating project details transparently, and effectively engaging stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: Engaging with engineers, architects, and urban planners to integrate environmental considerations and facilitating cross disciplinary work.
• Project Management: Overseeing transportation projects from start to finish, managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables, and coordinating with subconsultant, clients and agencies.

Comprehensive Background In:

• Environmental regulatory compliance, transportation projects and coordination with FRA is required.

Qualifications

• You are passionate about working collaboratively with others.
• Having ownership in the work you do.
• Using your talents to positively affect communities.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with professional networks, clients, and jurisdictional authorities.
• Continuous learning to expand regulatory expertise.
• Excelling in a dynamic environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, biology, ecology, soils, environmental science, environmental policy, natural resource management, or related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in interpreting site plans, topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other mapping resources.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently, lead staff, and manage projects with a client-focused mindset.
• Business acumen, a strong work ethic, and excellent problem solving-abilities.
• Exceptional ability to communicate across written and spoken mediums.
• Ability to contribute and work well with a team.

Benefits

• Receive a competitive 401(k) match.
• Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths.
• Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements.
• Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities.
• Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles.
• Full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.