Environmental Project Manager, NEPA (EPS III) - Denver

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

52d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a new Environmental Protection Specialist III position that will manage NEPA projects and act as a liaison to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), as well as to CDOT's Division of Transit and Rail (DTR) and CDOT's five operational regions to provide technical environmental and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) expertise for CDOT's projects, with an initial focus on passenger rail corridor projects. This position: Requires a high level of understanding of NEPA, especially as it relates to rail, transit, and highway transportation projects. Applies knowledge and expertise in the areas of NEPA and pre-NEPA planning, along with state and local environmental permitting documentation. Handles and provides guidance on complex, high level NEPA clearances, especially as it relates to a newer focus on passenger rail projects, along with the FTA and FHWA projects. Handles and provides guidance on USDOT, FRA, FTA, and FHWA environmental compliance requirements for complex corridor planning and large construction projects. Determines statewide programmatic environmental policies and procedures related to environmental compliance and project delivery on passenger rail projects and for FTA corridor projects. Creates guidelines to implement programs and policies. Develops and provides training to staff regarding FRA, FTA, and FHWA NEPA requirements and their differences from each other. Supervises professional consultants and outside agency agreements that integrate environmental programs with CDOT's mission of accelerating the environmental planning/compliance and project delivery process. Utilizes spatial technologies to inventory environmental resources, assessing impacts on a corridor, regional, or statewide level, and developing approaches for cumulative effects analysis at large temporal and spatial scales. Other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

At least eight (8) years of experience in environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resources management, or natural sciences, which included:
At least four (4) years of professional experience with a primary focus on environmental project management, NEPA clearances, pre-NEPA planning processes, or environmental policy.
At least two (2) years of this experience must have a primary focus on environmental project management for transportation projects.
A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least eight (8) years.
Education from an accredited college or university with coursework in environmental science, environmental studies, environmental engineering, natural resources management, natural sciences, or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered.
Experience with a primary focus on environmental project management, NEPA clearances, pre-NEPA planning processes, or environmental policy will be considered. This must include at least two (2) years of experience with a primary focus on environmental project management for transportation projects.
Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks.
A current valid driver's license is required for all Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) positions which require operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform one or more essential functions of the position.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section
Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position
Highest work/personal ethics and integrity
Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with NEPA
Extensive experience incorporating environmental concerns into the project development process, especially pertaining to transportation and rail projects
Experience and skill in environmental aspects of transportation and rail projects is preferred
Experience working with the FRA, FTA, and FHWA including any regulatory requirements
Experience providing guidance and training related to NEPA and other environmental topics
Experience leading high-performing teams, including managing consultants
Knowledge of and experience with transit or rail programs or projects
Experience interpreting FRA, FTA, and FHWA policies, regulations, and requirements
Knowledge of and experience with a broad range of environmental laws, rules, and regulations, such as the CDOT PEL Handbook, CDOT NEPA Manual, FRA/FTA/FHWA regulations, etc.
Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments
Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner
Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders with sensitivity to their needs, priorities, promises made and commitments
Effective interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Strong time and project management skills, including prioritization and multi-tasking ability
Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving ability
Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral
Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy
Passion for safety
Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Gmail and Google Applications, SAP, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

Responsibilities

Manage NEPA projects
Act as a liaison to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Provide technical environmental and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) expertise for CDOT's projects
Handle and provide guidance on complex, high level NEPA clearances, especially as it relates to a newer focus on passenger rail projects, along with the FTA and FHWA projects
Handle and provide guidance on USDOT, FRA, FTA, and FHWA environmental compliance requirements for complex corridor planning and large construction projects
Determine statewide programmatic environmental policies and procedures related to environmental compliance and project delivery on passenger rail projects and for FTA corridor projects
Create guidelines to implement programs and policies
Develop and provide training to staff regarding FRA, FTA, and FHWA NEPA requirements and their differences from each other
Supervise professional consultants and outside agency agreements that integrate environmental programs with CDOT's mission of accelerating the environmental planning/compliance and project delivery process
Utilize spatial technologies to inventory environmental resources, assessing impacts on a corridor, regional, or statewide level, and developing approaches for cumulative effects analysis at large temporal and spatial scales