Director of Environmental Projects

ARE Corp is seeking a Director of Environmental Projects to oversee environmental permitting for various railroad projects funded by federal grants. The role involves liaising with regulators, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Candidates can work remotely or from the office in Overland Park, KS. The position emphasizes continuous improvement, innovation, and community involvement within a diverse team dedicated to safety and sustainability.
OMNI is honored to partner with American Rail Engineers Corporation (ARE) in the search for a Director of Environmental Projects to support a growing portfolio of rail projects funded through federal 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 environmental and engineering submittals required as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safe Improvements Program (CRISI). CRISI is a federal grant program that funds rail projects aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and reliability.

At ARE they foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation while providing exceptional service, both in the field and in the office. Their diverse team of engineers, FAA-certified pilots, and GIS analysts are driven by professionalism, passion, and commitment to safety and sustainability. They value community involvement, embrace diversity and technology, and champion fresh ideas. When you join ARE, YOU are part of a team that makes a difference.

The Director of Environmental Projects is responsible for performing and overseeing environmental permitting activities for a wide variety of railroad projects from culvert replacements to full bridge replacements spanning over federally regulated Waters of the US (WOTUS). You will work directly with regulators to permit projects, coordinate with clients, and collaborate with team members. The Environmental Services division is growing, and you will be integral in managing and building this team.

This position is full-time, direct hire with an office in Overland Park, KS or opportunity to work remote.

Responsibilities:
• Serve as the primary environmental liaison for railroad partners and federal agencies.
• Mentor and train environmental scientists in field work and ever-changing regulatory requirements.
• Assess environmental impacts of railroad projects and craft NEPA documents, including categorical exclusion worksheets and impact statements.
• Lead the development and execution of environmental permitting strategies for rail projects.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to secure necessary environmental permit approvals for projects.
• Manage NEPA documentation and ensure alignment with federal 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) on CRISI grant funding for innovative projects.
• Ensure ESA (Endangered Species Act) compliance by evaluating impacts on threatened and endangered species through desktop screenings, habitat assessments, and field surveys.
• Supervise, and if needed prepare detailed biological assessments and facilitate effective coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
• Supervise, and if needed, perform wetland and stream delineations, write jurisdictional determination reports, and manage Section 404 permits.
• Supervise, and if needed, conduct diverse field surveys, including plant and bird identification, bat monitoring, and habitat assessments, using tools like GPS, ArcGIS, and statistical modeling.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning or other related fields is required.
• 7+ years of environmental permitting experience with a focus on linear infrastructure required.
• Experience with FRA or other federal transportation agencies is preferred.
• Familiarity with grant administration and reporting requirements.
• Proven track record working with federal grants and NEPA compliance.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations (Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including technical writing.
• Collaborator with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• 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 leading wetland and stream delineations and owning special projects such as bird, raptor, and bat surveys.

Salary and Benefits:
• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Work on impactful infrastructure projects that promote sustainability.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development; 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 US, with an office in Overland Park, KS.

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, Senior Consultant – scowan@omnihrm.com | 913.653.8085

Director of Environmental Projects in Overland Park, Kansas | Careers at American Rail Engineers Corporation

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.