Environmental NEPA Compliance Lead - Water Practice

Moffatt & Nichol specializes in large complex waterfront infrastructure projects and is recognized as one of the worldwide leaders in this field. We are actively looking for a Environmental NEPA Compliance Lead to join our Water Practice Environmental team and can be located in any one of our US offices. As part of the Water Practice Environmental Group, this role will serve as our companywide National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance expert for complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure and environmental projects within our water practice. This is a companywide leadership role that will provide strategic leadership and technical guidance while mentoring regional staff. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with regional environmental leads, interdisciplinary teams, and clients to ensure Moffatt & Nichol water projects meet all applicable regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will also drive strategic growth into new markets and federal clients.

About Moffatt & Nichol:

Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specializing in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbors and rivers, as well as an innovator in the transportation complexities associated with the movement of freight. For the 3rd year in a row, Moffatt & Nichol is Ranked #1 in Engineering News-Record for Marine & Port Facilities in the U.S. Additionally, our firm consistently ranks in the Top 100 Pure Designers in the US and the Top 50 Designers in International Markets. We were also named Southeast Design Firm of the Year 2023.

Moffatt & Nichol's professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists and architects who serve our global client base from offices in Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. The firm provides clients worldwide with customized service and a level of excellence that have become the firm’s hallmark in several primary practice areas – ports and harbors along with energy (Ports practice); coastal, environmental restoration, water resources/stormwater along with urban waterfronts and marinas (Water practice); and transportation, including roadway, bridges, mobility, traffic and rail (Transportation practice).

Duties and responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Serve as the national subject matter expert on NEPA compliance for water practice projects, with deep understanding of CEQ regulations, agency-specific (e.g. USACE, BOEM, USFWS, NMFS, NOAA, NPS, NAVFAC, etc.) NEPA procedures, and related environmental laws
• Lead and manage NEPA compliance projects, including Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), and Categorical Exclusions (CE) within Moffatt & Nichol's Water Practice
• Provide oversight and strategic input on multi-agency coordination efforts, consultation processes, and permitting strategies to streamline federal environmental reviews
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies, stakeholders, and the public to ensure effective communication and collaboration
• Support regional environmental planning teams by establishing quality standards, best practices, and review protocols for NEPA compliance and related documentation
• Mentor and train junior and mid-level staff in federal environmental planning and regulatory compliance practices
• Lead proposal development and project pursuits focused on NEPA and environmental compliance services
• Stay current with national policy changes, rulemakings, and case law that affect NEPA and related environmental processes
• Support business development efforts through client engagement for both existing and new environmental markets
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with federal agencies and clients to anticipate regulatory trends, build strategic partnerships, and position the firm for future opportunities

Other duties:

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or a related field; required
• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or a related field; preferred
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in environmental planning; required
• Proven experience in NEPA compliance, including EIS, EA, CE for Water Practice projects; required
• Experience in negotiations with various environmental agencies such as EPA, USACE, NMFS, USFWS, BOEM, NPS, DOD and others for BMPs, mitigation actions, permit conditions, etc.; required
• Has managed environmental programs, projects and teams as well as being responsible for deliverable quality
• Demonstrated acumen in business development and overall initiative leadership
• Proven experience with engaging with stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and the public, to communicate project impacts and mitigations
• NEPA compliance efforts across a range of complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure and environmental water projects nationwide
• All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171
• Moffatt & Nichol uses E-Verify and employment is contingent upon the legal ability to obtain employment in the U.S. and to present the required documentation at hire

Base salary range:

$122,000 to $165,000 based on years of experience, level of education obtained, professional registration, and meeting required qualification in job description.

Base salary range only applicable for candidates who will be hired and working in the California, New York City, or Washington markets.

Working conditions:

Sedentary for prolonged period of time, interact with clients, and travel occasionally.

Moffatt & Nichol’s EEO Statement:

As a global business, Moffatt & Nichol relies on diversity of culture and thought to deliver on our goal of Creative People, Practical Solutions serving our client needs, and ensures nondiscrimination in all activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We draw from the world’s best and brightest, regardless of geographic, cultural, or institutional background. This approach enables us to better understand and serve our clients, foster innovation, and create a rich, collaborative work environment. Moffatt & Nichol is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Federal Contractor desiring priority referrals of all protected veterans for job openings.

If you need more information or require special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact Human Resources at (562) 590-6500 or TTY/TDD users please call 711.