NEPA Compliance Coordinator

About the Organization

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency offering a fast-paced and fluid environment, with an opportunity to be part of one of California's most remarkable transportation projects.

About the Role

Under general direction of the Authority's Environmental Program Manager I for Environmental Services (NEPA Assignment Manager), the Senior Environmental Scientist (NEPA Assignment Compliance Coordinator) will administer the implementation of the Authority's NEPA Assignment Program responsibilities, as assigned by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in the NEPA Assignment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), pursuant to 23 USC 327. The NEPA Assignment Compliance Coordinator will provide guidance and oversee Authority compliance with NEPA (and other related federal regulations and guidance) for Authority and other projects as assigned. The Senior Environmental Scientist will serve as a critical point of contact for federal cooperating agencies during project development. The Senior Environmental Scientist will make final recommendations regarding the adequacy and compliance of environmental documentation prepared under NEPA or any other federal environmental law for which the Authority is responsible to the NEPA Assignment Manager. Major emphasis is placed on ensuring consistent and uniform application of statewide environmental management policies, standards, procedures, guidelines, and practices in compliance with provisions of the MOU and other laws, regulations, and commitments.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of the Authority's organization, policies, project management concepts, design, construction, materials engineering and testing processes, and financial constraints.
• Experience working with Federal and State Agencies and Stakeholders.
• Ability to act independently, work within and lead teams and organize work priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships, dealing with tact and persuasion with regional, Headquarters, Agency and external counterparts including Legislative staff pertaining to planning, design and construction of transportation facilities.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding environmental compliance for project delivery and project management.
• Knowledge of trends in environmental assessment, policy and project audit practices and procedures.
• Experience overseeing complex NEPA Documents.
• Experience completing and/or managing environmental technical studies and environmental documents in compliance with the NEPA, California Environmental Quality Act, and state and federal environmental regulations or developing environmental laws and policy.
• Experience with developing policies and procedures for environmental management.
• Analyze and reason logically and creatively to exercise good judgment in identifying and adopting effective courses of action to resolving complex environmental issues and mitigation problems.
• Experience with environmental review of large infrastructure projects (10+ mile or multi-thousand acre).
• Experience in formal writing and effective oral communication.
• Ability to operate independently to assimilate input from various sources, evaluate that input, develop alternative courses of action, and make objective recommendations to the Authority and California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) management on all environmental issues related to project delivery.
• Ability and experience to organize, conduct, and manage staff to effectively report on large-scale audits of environmental projects including logistical organization, execution, identification of deficiencies and corrective actions.
• Experience in leading and working within integrated multi-disciplinary teams.

Location

The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters building is located in downtown Sacramento on the corner of 8th and L Street, one block away from the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, as well as the 7th and Capitol light rail stop. The building is within walking distance of DOCO, the California State Capitol Park, a farmer's market during summer months, and Old Sacramento. This position can be located in either Sacramento County or Fresno County. If you are interested in applying for the Fresno County position, please refer to Job Control 524568.