Environmental Compliance Manager

American Rail Engineers Corporation • Overland Park, KS

9d • Remote

About The Position

OMNI is partnering with American Rail Engineers Corporation (ARE) to find an Environmental Compliance Manager for their growing railroad projects portfolio, which is funded by federal and state grants. ARE specializes in managing bridge structures through inspections, load ratings, and design, and assists clients with environmental and engineering submittals for grant projects. The company values continuous improvement, innovation, professionalism, passion, safety, sustainability, collaboration, curiosity, diversity, technology, and fresh ideas. The Environmental Compliance Manager will be responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, preparing necessary documentation such as Categorical Exclusion Worksheets, assessing permitting needs, submitting applications, and applying environmental regulations to various railroad and trail projects. These projects may involve linear trails, rail yards, culvert replacements, and bridge replacements over federally regulated Waters of the US. The role requires direct interaction with federal, state, and local agencies for permitting, client coordination, and team collaboration. This is a full-time, direct-hire, remote position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning or other related fields is required.
• 5+ years of environmental permitting experience with a focus on linear infrastructure required.
• The ability to travel seasonally up to 25% based on national project needs is required.
• Familiarity with grant administration, NEPA compliance and reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations (Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including technical writing.
• Strong time management and follow-through skills, with the ability to simultaneously work on and manage multiple tasks/projects with tight deadlines.
• Have a growth mindset and willingness to expand your expertise, positioning yourself as a key contributor across all facets of the organization.

Nice To Haves

• Consulting experience is preferred.
• Experience with FRA or other federal transportation agencies is preferred.
• Experience with California regulations, CEQA, and permitting is preferred.
• Experience with railroads and/or California regulations is highly desirable.
• Qualified candidates should have experience in the following areas and with the following agencies and regulations: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, State and Local Environmental Agencies, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, National Historic Preservation Act.

Responsibilities

• Assess environmental impacts of railroad projects and craft NEPA documents, including categorical exclusion worksheets, permit needs assessments, permit applications and impact statements.
• Manage and supervise the development and execution of environmental permitting strategies for rail projects; including coordination with federal, state, and local agencies to secure necessary environmental permit approvals for projects.
• Manage NEPA documentation and ensure alignment with federal and state grant requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, legal, and project management teams to integrate environmental considerations into project planning.
• Monitor compliance throughout project lifecycle and support audits or reviews.
• Prepare and submit environmental reports, permit applications, and related documentation.
• Collaborate closely with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), state and local agencies on CRISI grant funding for innovative projects.
• Ensure Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance by evaluating impacts on threatened and endangered species through desktop screenings, habitat assessments, and field surveys. Oversee subconsultants performing specialty services in these areas.
• Supervise, and if needed prepare detailed biological assessments and facilitate effective coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries), Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, and state equivalents.
• Supervise and review wetland and stream delineations, conduct field surveys, utilize tools like GPS and ArcGIS, write jurisdictional determination reports, and manage Section 404 permits.
• Understand and manage compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and protection of cultural resources as well as geology, soils, and seismic hazards assessments, coastal resource assessments. Oversee subconsultants performing specialty services in these areas.
• Determine the need for further study of hazardous materials/contaminated sites.
• Willingness to learn, understand, and implement requirements in different regions as project needs arise.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development; training; industry conference attendance.
• Community involvement and volunteering opportunities.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with Safe Harbor match, long-term disability and life insurance.
• Flexible office location in the U.S.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior