NEPA Specialist (Transportation/FRA)

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job 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. Responsibilities include coordinating fieldwork and reporting, report writing, providing technical guidance to staff, and engaging proactively with clients, stakeholders, and contractors. You will also 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

You bring to the team:

Bachelor’s degree in planning, biology, ecology, soils, environmental science, environmental policy, natural resource management, or related field

Minimum of 6+ years of experience in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance

Working knowledge of NEPA compliance in accordance with FRA guidelines required 

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

#LI-AF1 The typical annual salary range for this role is as listed below. Compensation may vary based on geographic location, experience, and qualifications. Employees in this role may be eligible for our performance‑based bonus and merit increases.

 

National Pay Range $79,000 — $120,000 USD

Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

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

In addition, 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.

 

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

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For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here .