Nepa Manager

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Capital Project Delivery team is responsible for the execution of design and construction projects in Metra’s Capital Program. Major areas of ongoing project activity include: Stations & Parking (new stations, major rehabs, smaller updates); Bridges (repairs, upgrades, complete replacements); and Metra Facilities (yard facilities, mechanical shops, office buildings; crew facilities). The team also provides design expertise in various engineering disciplines for track, infrastructure, structure and signal work involving other railroads.

Reporting to the Chief Project Delivery Officer, the NEPA Manager will lead and track the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) review and permitting processes for capital projects; develop and manage third party contracts; coordinate the work of consulting engineers and other professional staff performing planning, design, or investigative functions; and lead the public participation process for various projects.

The primary duties include attend capital project meetings to advise project teams on potential NEPA impact and strategies for mitigation, avoidance, and compensation; report on project status and schedules; and discuss and coordinate ongoing project issues. Lead, track, and report on the NEPA environmental review process and NEPA environmental permitting for projects in Metra's Capital Program. Draft components of contracts including scope of work, project descriptions, determination of eligibility, and related items in solicitation of professional engineering firms to lead the design and construction of capital projects for compliance with NEPA regulations. Manage third party contracts, coordinate tasks and schedules with design and construction teams, review consultants work for contract compliance, and approve payment for completed tasks. Lead, develop, and manage public outreach activities for the NEPA, Section 106, and related environmental processes. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

**Job Requirements**
- Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Engineering, Architecture or a related discipline.
- In addition to #1, must have eight years of NEPA project experience that includes a combination of the following: program planning, impact analysis, and permitting; compliance investigation and mitigation; and contract development and management.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the NEPA environmental review process.
- Considerable knowledge of best practices to mitigate, avoid, and compensate potential NEPA impacts, preferably in transportation projects.
- Considerable knowledge of project and contract management, project costing, monitoring, and reporting techniques.
- Considerable knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal codes, regulations, and requirements.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Strong verbal, written and graphic communication skills, including technical editing.
- Demonstrated skills in project management methods, practices, and procedures.
- Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with all levels of management, employees, external groups, and other organizations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to develop and implement policies, methods, practices, and procedures.
- Ability to manage a high volume of projects, deadlines, and project teams in a fast paced environment with detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
- Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
- Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
- Must be able to operate a vehicle.
- Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
- Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

**Preferences**:

- Master's degree.
- Transit project experience and experience with FTA Region 5.
- Supervisory experience.