Lead Environmental/NEPA Specialist - 90359055 - Philadelphia (onsite)

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As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Lead National Environmental Policy Act Specialist (NEPA) coordinates and directs activities necessary for Amtrak to comply with the NEPA and related environmental regulations and other permit requirements. Responsibilities include developing strategies and providing regular coordination/document submissions to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), documenting submittal procedures, and developing and delivering training programs to Amtrak personnel regarding NEPA processes for Amtrak project managers. Guiding project teams in developing Categorical Exclusion Worksheets or Environmental Assessments and acting as liaison to the FRA and other federal agencies regarding NEPA compliance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Development of Amtrak NEPA and Section 106 procedures manual, including standard procedures for Amtrak personnel and contractors to follow to provide FRA with consistent documents. 
• Develop and deliver NEPA related training programs for Amtrak Project staff. 
• Provide regulatory and technical guidance and direction to Amtrak Project Managers on NEPA compliance requirements for Amtrak projects throughout the Amtrak system. 
• Work closely with Amtrak’s Senior Historic Preservation Specialist to resolve cultural resources issues as they relate to NEPA, as well as to establish joint procedures and conduct training, develop consultant scopes of work, and coordinate projects. 
• Track progress of Amtrak NEPA activities on a project specific basis, including satisfaction of environmental commitments, and maintain tracking database. 
• Develop Categorical Exclusion Worksheets in-house, and oversee environmental firms developing these documents, including scope development and deliverable review. 
• Coordinate and communicate NEPA activities with FRA and other federal agencies. 
• Develop scopes of work and lead/direct contractors performing NEPA compliance activities. 
• Coordinate and document NEPA and section 106 activities with several Amtrak departments, including Grants, Engineering and Finance. 
• Review NEPA documents prepared by other entities for potential impact on Amtrak properties, operations, or environmental responsibilities. 
• Stay current on NEPA-related laws and regulations applicable to Amtrak and advise on regulatory matters.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required or equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. 
• 5 years of experience in project management for NEPA services.
• Experience in delivering NEPA and Section 106 services associated with construction projects or complex multi-project programs. 
• Experience developing and delivering training programs. 
• Experience in delivering NEPA and Section 106 services associated with construction projects or complex multi-project programs. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills. 
• Understanding of the many facets or NEPA and Section 106 work. 
• Knowledge of complex environmental regulations, policies, and programs. 
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills. 
• Experience and demonstrated knowledge of the NEPA process. 
• Experience in developing and conducting training programs for internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in the coordination of complex assignments with multiple departments. 
• Experience in negotiation and serving as primary contact for regulators. 
• Self-motivated and able to work independently. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment with a range of stakeholders to meet NEPA compliance and project goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 6-9 years of relevant NEPA experience preferred. 
• Understanding of railroad business functions, operations, and design and construction processes. 
• Experience developing negotiating contract terms and conditions specifically for contracts related to services, construction, engineering, materials, equipment, and rail industry. 
• Program Management Professional (PMP)
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently works in an office environment; constantly sits, stands, walks; may occasionally lift, carry, push or pull objects of various weights; may reach, kneel, crouch, bend or twist in order to perform administrative tasks such as filing, retrieving materials. 
• Frequently works in the field, including rail yards, maintenance facilities, and right-of-way, subject to walking on uneven surfaces, climbing over obstacles, and climbing ladders. 
• Frequently uses a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse to perform a variety of tasks. 
• Frequently reads and analyzes hard copy or computer screen material and writes memos, email or reports, as appropriate. 
• Frequently acquires new knowledge, skills and tasks, both complex and simple, in order to maintain effectiveness in position. 
• Frequently handles multiple projects simultaneously and frequently resolves problems with conflicting priorities. Conducts in person, e-mail, and/or telephone dialogues as appropriate to manage and conduct the flow of work. 
• Frequently or occasionally travels throughout and outside the region as required, via train, airplane or automobile (up to 25% travel). Constantly works in a fast-paced, time sensitive environment with frequently changing priorities. 
• Occasionally works extended hours and may be required to be on call and available on an emergency basis. Occasionally works in crisis situations requiring fast long-reaching decisions based on incomplete information/data.
• Frequently works inside climate-controlled environments but may occasionally work outdoors and be subject to adverse weather conditions and fumes or airborne particles.

COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

The salary range is $94,300-$122,256.  Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, internal equity, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position and/or long-term incentive plan compensation. In addition to your salary, Amtrak offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental, and vision plans; health savings accounts; wellness programs; flexible spending accounts; 401K retirement plan with employer match; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; paid time off; back-up care; adoption assistance; surrogacy assistance; reimbursement of education expenses; Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility; Railroad Retirement sickness and retirement benefits; and rail pass privileges. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:164631

Work Arrangement:06-Onsite Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak. 
Relocation Offered:No 
Travel Requirements:Up to 25% 

You power our progress through your performance.
 

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions. 

Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen. 

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.  

In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses. 

Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.