OMNI is honored to partner with American Rail Engineers Corporation (ARE) in the search for an Environmental Compliance Manager to support a growing portfolio of railroad projects funded through federal and state grants. ARE works with railroads across the country managing bridge structures through bridge inspections, load capacity ratings, and design. Their services include working closely with railroad clients to manage the required environmental and engineering submittals for state grants and Federal Railroad Administration, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safe Improvements Program (CRISI) grant projects. These grants generally fund rail projects aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and reliability.

ARE fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation while providing exceptional service, both in the field and in the office. Their diverse team of engineers, environmental specialists, and data solutions staff are driven by professionalism, passion, and commitment to safety and sustainability. They value collaboration and curiosity, embrace diversity and technology, and champion fresh ideas. When you join ARE, YOU are part of a team that makes a difference.

The Environmental Compliance Manager will be responsible for performing and overseeing environmental regulation compliance, including the preparation of Categorical Exclusion Worksheets, permitting needs assessments, permitting applications, and general application of environmental regulations for a wide variety of railroad and trail projects. Projects may include linear trails, rail yards, culvert replacements, and full bridge replacements spanning over federally regulated Waters of the US (WOTUS). You will work directly with federal, state and local agencies to permit projects, coordinate with clients, and collaborate with team members. The Environmental Services division is growing, and you will be an integral part.

This position is full-time, direct hire, and is expected to work remotely.

Reports to the Director of Environmental Projects with the following responsibilities.

• Assess environmental impacts of railroad projects and craft NEPA documents, including categorical exclusion worksheets, permit needs assessments, permit applications and impact statements.
• Manage and supervise the development and execution of environmental permitting strategies for rail projects; including coordination with federal, state, and local agencies to secure necessary environmental permit approvals for projects.
• Manage NEPA documentation and ensure alignment with federal and state grant requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, legal, and project management teams to integrate environmental considerations into project planning.
• Monitor compliance throughout project lifecycle and support audits or reviews.
• Prepare and submit environmental reports, permit applications, and related documentation.
• Collaborate closely with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), state and local agencies on CRISI grant funding for innovative projects.
• Ensure Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance by evaluating impacts on threatened and endangered species through desktop screenings, habitat assessments, and field surveys. Oversee subconsultants performing specialty services in these areas.
• Supervise, and if needed prepare detailed biological assessments and facilitate effective coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries), Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, and state equivalents.
• Supervise and review wetland and stream delineations, conduct field surveys, utilize tools like GPS and ArcGIS, write jurisdictional determination reports, and manage Section 404 permits.
• Understand and manage compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and protection of cultural resources as well as geology, soils, and seismic hazards assessments, coastal resource assessments. Oversee subconsultants performing specialty services in these areas.
• Determine the need for further study of hazardous materials/contaminated sites.
• Willingness to learn, understand, and implement requirements in different regions as project needs arise.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning or other related fields is required.
• 5+ years of environmental permitting experience with a focus on linear infrastructure required. Consulting experience is preferred.
• Experience with FRA or other federal transportation agencies is preferred.
• Experience with California regulations, CEQA, and permitting is preferred.
• Familiarity with grant administration, NEPA compliance and reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations (Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including technical writing.
• Strong time management and follow-through skills, with the ability to simultaneously work on and manage multiple tasks/projects with tight deadlines.
• Have a growth mindset and willingness to expand your expertise, positioning yourself as a key contributor across all facets of the organization.
• The ability to travel seasonally up to 25% based on national project needs is required.
• Experience with railroads and/or California regulations is highly desirable.
• Qualified candidates should have experience in the following areas and with the following agencies and regulations:
  • S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries
  • State and Local Environmental Agencies
  • National Environmental Policy Act
  • Clean Water Act
  • Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
  • National Historic Preservation Act

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development; training; industry conference attendance.
• Community involvement and volunteering opportunities.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with Safe Harbor match, long-term disability and life insurance.
• Flexible office location in the U.S.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal. Please direct all inquiries to:

Stacey Cowan, Practice Leader | Senior Search Consultant

scowan@omnihrm.com | 913.653.8085

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.