NEPA (NAT) Coordinator

At Fluor, we are proud to design and build projects and careers. This requires teams that are as unique as the projects we execute. We are committed to fostering a work environment that embraces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) for all so our employees and stakeholders benefit from the creative solutions derived as a result of embracing differences.

Job Description

Fluor, together with its joint-venture partner AECOM, has been awarded a four-year program delivery support services contract for the California High-Speed Rail program by the California High-Speed Rail Authority, to provide program delivery and program management services to support one of the largest planned infrastructure projects in the U.S.

The system will connect the 500-mile stretch between the Los Angeles region with the San Francisco Bay Area, with up to 24 stations. The first phase of the program is currently under construction in California’s Central Valley.

This NEPA Assignment Team Coordinator supports the administration and 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 Coordinator will provide guidance and oversee NEPA (and other related federal regulations and guidance) environmental reviews for projects in their respective regions and have charge of monitoring and directing compliance with federal environmental commitments and permit conditions during construction.

The individual will serve as a critical point of contact for federal cooperating agencies during project development. The candidate will also have an open line of communication to the NEPA coordinator lead, deputy director of environmental services, and director of environmental services. The individual will make recommendations to the NEPA assignment manager regarding the adequacy and compliance of environmental documentation prepared under NEPA or any other federal environmental law for which the Authority is responsible.

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.

• Plan, organize, and direct implementation of the Authority’s federal environmental review responsibilities under the NEPA Assignment MOU. Lead an interdisciplinary team in reviewing environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), categorical exclusions (CE) and environmental re-examinations prior to recommending approval to the NEPA Assignment executive office. Will administer and manage monitoring and reporting on the Authority’s compliance with environmental commitments and permit conditions for the region assigned to the Coordinator. Participate actively in updating to the Authority’s Environmental Handbook and related guidance. Participate in developing and providing an environmental training program and assist in preparing an annual report of the NEPA Assignment results to FRA, as required under the NEPA MOU. Provide NEPA review and comment on/approve of the Authority’s responses to comments on draft environmental documents made by the public and government agencies
• Plan, organize and direct NEPA Assignment Program activities in compliance with federal environmental laws, including class-of-action determinations, for environmental documents and processes for environmental review and QA/QC. This includes systems and procedures for compiling and analyzing environmental approval milestones and recordkeeping. Perform critical review and approval of work products delivered by consultants working as NEPA Assignment Coordinators under the NEPA Assignment MOU, as required pursuant to federal environmental laws and regulations
• Participate either as the lead federal agency or cooperating agency role on other projects as assigned in the MOU
• Prepare for and respond to annual FRA audits, as described in the NEPA Assignment MOU, and—as required by the MOU—conduct internal self-assessments(audits) of Authority practices and performance, and report annually to FRA. Incumbent will participate in developing procedures for collecting and analyzing program data and for presenting information in reports to both FRA and the Authority. This will be done in coordination with the deputy director of environmental services, subject to the approval of the director. For deficiencies identified in FRA and internal audits, assist in making program recommendation and help monitor the implementation of corrective actions and report the results in the annual reports to FRA
• Provide logistical support for communicating with stakeholders, including newsletters, meetings, and teleconference calls. Perform other duties as may be required of an environmental manager.
• Serve as technical support for the analysis of environmental impact documents in compliance with current guidance, best practices, applicable governing statutes, and regulations
• Develop a strong understanding of the Authority’s project development and administrative processes and procedures, including the Authority’s organization, departmental policies, and budget allocations.
• Analyze environmental situations accurately; gather and analyze data; prepare written reports; work effectively with others as an interdisciplinary team member; conduct interviews for data gathering; apply general techniques of insuring participation in the planning process.
• Coordinate environmental planning, research, and analysis of proposed projects; make an assessment of an existing environment; write environmental documents
• Plan and carry out complex studies; direct the work of others engaged in planning studies; participate in public presentations; solicit outside expertise on a short-term basis on specific environmental studies or phases of studies
• Coordinate environmental investigations of proposed projects; review and evaluate local plans in relation to statewide environmental interests; incorporate the input of interested groups and agencies into the environmental planning and analysis process
• Supervise others in their work; solicit necessary expertise to complete environmental studies or meet project goals
• Effectively contribute to the department’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives; supervise and direct the activities of others; participate as a witness in local hearings

Please Note:

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Basic Job Requirements

• Accredited four (4) year degree or global equivalent in applicable field of study and ten (10) years of work-related experience
• Strong working expertise in NEPA and federal and state environmental laws and processes
• Permitting expertise and environmental re-evaluations or re-examinations experience.

Other Job Requirements

• Ability to develop and oversee compliance with appropriate mitigation monitoring processes, including environmental re-examinations

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of a master’s degree in environmental planning or a closely related field
• Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible relevant experience
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by governing law.