Deputy Director of Environmental Compliance at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – Boston, Massachusetts

The Deputy Director of Environmental Compliance - Commuter Rail will manage, coordinate, and provide oversight and evaluate environmental compliance programs for MBTA’s Operator of Commuter Rail. In addition, this role will develop, implement, and administer a comprehensive plan to ensure environmental regulatory compliance oversight in projects and programs throughout the MBTA and its owned infrastructure.

• Oversee and monitor all environmental aspects of the current commuter rail system, working with both MBTA railroad and the contracted operator to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations (to include but not limited to: EPA [all media], FRA, FTA, DOT, DEP, MDAR, etc.).
• Strategically lead and guide the work of supporting professional, technical, and administrative personnel in the research, design and issuance of environmental audits and compliance programs.
• Act as the Authority’s liaison with all environmental regulatory agencies, ensuring that all required notifications and reports are submitted to local, state, and federal agencies.
• Review and approve reports/plans for appropriate local, state, and federal agencies.
• Support any agency engagements, including conducting investigations and/or negotiations for potential enforcement actions.
• Provide expert leadership and guidance to ensure proper management of materials needed during routine operations and/or construction projects, whether at a facility or along the right of way, to include compliant storage and disposal (ie railroad ties, ballast, soil stockpiles, concrete, asphalt, etc.).
• Ensure proper management regarding train dismantling, repurposing, disposal, as needed.
• Develop and implement preventative environmental management plans and programs, to include SOPs and compliance thereof.
• Develop audit program to ensure compliance with Environmental Management Systems, permit requirements, SOPs, etc.
• Conduct compliance audits of regulatory programs including the operator’s wastewater treatment systems, stormwater permits, Environmental Management System and/or that of MBTA as applicable.
• Develop and implement strategies for compliance oversight with the Operator’s Environmental Management System.
• Perform environmental coordination for system-wide compliance programs, which affect MBTA owned facilities, its operator and vendors.
• Manage Operator compliance with regulatory programs, to include vegetation management plans, train idling, noise reduction, etc.
• Oversee and monitor consultant performance to ensure that projects remain on scope and on budget.
• Review construction proposals and specifications for regulatory compliance and proper permits/licenses for commuter rail projects, as needed.
• Maintain all necessary permits and certifications for environmental programs and projects, and ensure all permits and certificates are valid.
• Ensure proper transfer of applicable permits and certificates upon project completion or change in operator, if/as applicable.
• Negotiate contracts for various assessment/remediation projects and compliance.
• Assist with development of department policies pertaining to environmental matters.
• Provide regular updates to supervisors that identify progress on major assignments and obstacles to the schedule, assignment, and responsibilities.
• Ensure budgetary goals are met and that all work is performed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and other MBTA owned facilities.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority’s Customer Service quality standard.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• The selected candidate will eventually be responsible for the direct supervision of environmental compliance officers.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical or Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Environmental Management, or related field.
• Five (5) years of demonstrated experience in the environmental field with a focus on the regulations and requirements related to environmental compliance as normally associated with a large or active transportation or infrastructure projects.
• Two (2) years of related experience in a supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend and administer environmental laws and regulations.
• Experience working with large-scale infrastructure design plans and specifications.
• Strong computer skill including Adobe, Outlook, Microsoft Office programs, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access).
• Ability to work seamlessly with other departments within the MBTA, its Operator, as well as external groups such as state and federal agencies, municipal governments as well as outside consultants and contractors.
• Strong analytical writing skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Excellent customer service, communication, conflict resolution, and reading and comprehension skills.
• The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of regulations and requirements related to hazardous waste management, air quality, Massachusetts Contingency Plan, pollution prevention programs, and any other environmental media associated with large industrial facilities.
• Environmental compliance experience in a transit setting or within the transportation industry.