Subject Matter Expert - NEPA & CEQA
1 day ago
Irvine
Job DescriptionCompany Description We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company. We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us. Job Description At Olsson, we help our clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes with ease. We ensure proactive compliance with key environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Our approach and use of the latest and best methods help clients achieve their project goals while protecting our natural resources. As a NEPA & CEQA Subject Matter Expert, you will serve as a trusted advisor responsible for elevating the firm's environmental infrastructure discipline. This role emphasizes technical excellence, mentorship, regulatory expertise, and high‑level review of environmental deliverables. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, advance innovative approaches, and ensure the highest standards of quality across environmental planning, permitting, and biological resource services. The Subject Matter Expert provides strategic direction on environmental design, analysis, and compliance activities across the firm, with a focus on technical performance, innovation, and regulatory rigor. Key Responsibilities: • Serve as a firmwide subject matter expert, providing internal and external leadership on environmental compliance, permitting, biological resources, NEPA/CEQA documentation, and marine species protection., • Provide strategic direction and consultation to project teams and clients on complex environmental issues, regulatory pathways, and technical methodologies., • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CWA and other applicable biological and ecological requirements. Prepare and review environmental analyses, technical reports, and permitting documentation., • Maintain a strong external reputation as an industry leader, contributing to the profession through publications, conference presentations, and participation in scientific or regulatory working groups., • Promote efficiencies and uphold quality standards, ensuring environmental deliverables meet the highest levels of scientific rigor and regulatory defensibility., • Research and analyze environmental data, trends, and emerging technologies, providing insights and recommendations related to biological resources, habitat conservation, and environmental planning., • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, scientific partners, and industry organizations, to stay informed of evolving policies and opportunities for collaboration., • Represent the firm in professional organizations, advisory committees, or regulatory forums to elevate both the environmental discipline and the firm's visibility., • Lead and manage environmental projects from early planning through implementation, including scoping, technical strategy, budgeting, scheduling, and quality oversight., • Mentor and develop staff, fostering technical growth, scientific excellence, and consistency across environmental practice areas. Qualifications You are passionate about: • Working collaboratively with others., • Having ownership in the work you do., • Strong communication skills., • Ability to contribute and work well on a team., • Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, environmental policy, natural resource management, or related field., • 15+ years of experience in environmental consulting, including permitting and regulatory compliance., • Strong technical background and experience with NEPA/CEQA and ESA., • Experience in leading and mentoring others., • Innovative and proactive approach to problem-solving., • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail., • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including participation in professional organizations. #LI-RS1 Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, education, and internal equity. California Pay Range$170,000—$247,000 USD Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, education, and internal equity. Washington Pay Range$150,000—$235,000 USD Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, education, and internal equity. Oregon Pay Range$150,000—$218,000 USDAdditional Information Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come. As an Olsson employee, you will: • Receive a competitive 401(k) match, • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths, • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements, • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status. Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices. For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.