Deputy Director of Environmental Compliance

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• 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.

Substitutions Include

• 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.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [email protected] .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.