Sr. Project Manager - Phase 1/NEPA

GFT • Chicago, IL

17d • $170,000 - $225,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Sr. Project Manager - Phase 1/Envrionmental/NEPA to join our Transportation Team in Chicago , IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model , requiring regular attendance at our Chicago, IL office. Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here. What you'll be challenged to do: The Sr. Project Manager will be an integral part of the Chicago offices as a member of the Transportation – Environmental team . You will contribute to the design of transportation facilities, feasibility studies conceptual designs, preliminary design alternatives development for NEPA/Environmental documentation , public involvement programs for local agency clients and for IDOT/Illinois Tollway projects, cost estimates and required technical reports. You will also serve as a mentor and coach for less experienced staff, while developing staffing plans to support growth and project delivery. You will also your NEPA/Environmental knowledge , providing procedural guidance and expertise to planning, design, and construction projects . In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: Work with Client Service Teams on identifying upcoming projects and development of pursuit strategies. Able to develop Statement of Interest and Interview strategies on requests for proposals. Develop scope of work, project budgets, and project schedules after successfully winning work. Able to work with other project managers and staff to successfully guide projects through the NEPA/Environmental and federal-aid processes. Able to make presentations to the public and clients on projects. Provides direction and guidance to Project and Staff Engineers/Planners as to the general results expected to develop and review documents and permits for submittal to regulatory agencies or clients. Provides technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed designs and studies for projects. Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks. Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods, and routinely represents the organization in meetings to resolve important questions, and to plan and coordinate work. Responsible for accuracy of NEPA documents and environmental technical studies, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow-through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, company standards and QAQC protocols. Reviews design options and document findings with the design team. Manages workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Design, Civil Engineering, Geology, Biology, or Environmental Science.
• Minimum of 11 to 15 years' professional experience desired in the transportation engineering discipline.
• Must have the ability to obtain IDOT Prequalifications for Environmental Lead for EA, EIS, and additional certifications as applicable.
• Experienced at leading all aspects of NEPA environmental document development. Including relevant technical reports, CE's, EA's and EIS's.
• Understand environmental policy, regulations, permits, and NEPA guidelines.
• Capable of leading internal and external coordination with project team members, including other discipline areas involved with the project.
• Ability to manage and lead multiple projects, assignments, and teams.
• Responsible for coordinating and participating in the preparation of scopes of work, fee estimates, schedules, and responses to RSI’s and RFP’s for projects.

Nice To Haves

• American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP), Certified Environmental Professional license or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Leads NEPA/Environmental processes and technical solutions that best meet the project needs.
• Proactively identify problems while also promoting innovative and adaptive solutions to best address the needs of the project and client.
• Coordinates with clients and sub-consultants; Leads client meetings and participates in client meetings and interactions.
• Creates project presentation materials, concepts, graphics, and reports to the client and community groups.
• Business Development and experience communicating and coordinating with clients.

Responsibilities

• Work with Client Service Teams on identifying upcoming projects and development of pursuit strategies.
• Able to develop Statement of Interest and Interview strategies on requests for proposals.
• Develop scope of work, project budgets, and project schedules after successfully winning work.
• Able to work with other project managers and staff to successfully guide projects through the NEPA/Environmental and federal-aid processes.
• Able to make presentations to the public and clients on projects.
• Provides direction and guidance to Project and Staff Engineers/Planners as to the general results expected to develop and review documents and permits for submittal to regulatory agencies or clients.
• Provides technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed designs and studies for projects.
• Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks.
• Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods, and routinely represents the organization in meetings to resolve important questions, and to plan and coordinate work.
• Responsible for accuracy of NEPA documents and environmental technical studies, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow-through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, company standards and QAQC protocols.
• Reviews design options and document findings with the design team.
• Manages workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

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