NEPA Project Scientist

POSITION OVERVIEW

Metric Environmental, LLC seeks a qualified NEPA Project Scientist (min experience 5-8 years) experienced in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance to support transportation projects from our Indianapolis, Indiana office. This position requires the selected candidate to work independently and in team settings to conduct work both in the field and office. The role of NEPA Environmental Scientist will be to utilize technical expertise to manage multiple NEPA projects. Candidate should be familiar with the NEPA process of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and other federal agencies. Additionally, experience with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) or Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) would be a plus.

For a variety of transportation projects, this position will write, review, and revise National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, such as:

· Early coordination letters

· Red Flag Investigations (RFIs)

· Programmatic Categorical Exclusions (PCEs) and Categorical Exclusions (CEs)

· Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

· Coordinate, on behalf of the project sponsor, with Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and other local, state, and federal agencies to provide them with project information and to receive information regarding existing baseline conditions and potential impacts of proposed construction projects.

· Interpret stream/wetland surveys, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act studies, Statewide Transportation Improvement Plans, online databases (e.g., National Wetlands Inventory, Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Virtual File Cabinet, IDEM air quality data, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey data, etc.) to determine baseline/existing environmental conditions at proposed construction project locations.

· Review engineer’s reports, design plans, hydraulics reports, etc. to determine potential impacts to community/natural resources of proposed construction projects.

· Write/compile portions of NEPA documents in an efficient manner and in accordance with complex, transitory regulations and guidance materials.

· Assist in maintaining electronic project files and project databases to keep internal and external stakeholders aware of project developments.

· Work with engineers, the project sponsor, and sponsoring agencies to revise text and graphical exhibits within NEPA documents until they are acceptable by the agencies.

· Cross-train in other areas, as assigned, such as Assessment/Remediation, Industrial Health, and Natural Resources, to ensure Metric’s staffing needs and your professional development goals are met.

· Conduct field visits and attend meetings to support the NEPA document development process.

· Review and interpret planning studies and/or preliminary design plan sets or concepts

· Attend client meetings, including project kick-offs, update meetings, field reviews, etc.

· Maintain project files with current documents.

· Interact with clients, regulatory agencies, and sub-consultants to achieve project objectives.

· Prepare graphical displays to support technical documentation and communicate technical data

· Utilize knowledge of local regulations, positive agency relationships, and a thorough understanding of environmental regulations at all levels of government to facilitate timely document and permit approvals, in order to prevent budget overages and delays.

· Utilize project management software to timely and accurately report time and expenses.

· Report to Senior Project Manager/Division Head issues of concern on any active project.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Engineering, Public/Environmental Policy, Environmental Management, Biology, Geology, Geography or related field. A combination of relevant experience and education will combine for 3-5 years of practical experience.

· Minimum experience is 1-5 years.

· Basic understanding of federal, state, and local agency regulations regarding NEPA, Clean Water Act, Water Resources.

· Knowledge of NEPA requirements and experience with implementation of NEPA, including successful completion of CEs and EAs.

· Demonstrated ability to author various environmental documents and the ability to explain regulations and guidance to the public.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

· Working knowledge of ArcGIS and associated programs.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve the goals and schedule of a project.

· Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills.

· Strong problem-solving skills

· Strong research, organizational, and multi-tasking skills

· Strong technical writing skills

Additional experience a plus, but not required:

· Wetland determination/delineation experience; or

· Cultural Resources/Archaeological experience

Metric Environmental is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $62.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location:

• One location