Environmental Planner (Nepa)

Job Description
Job Description: Are you passionate about the environment and want to help us grow our Environmental Planning and NEPA practices? We are looking for a dedicated career professional to join our team of Environmental Planning Practitioners in our Houston, Texas office.
Our Houston office is a multi-disciplined team that works on wetlands delineation and permitting, NEPA documents, threatened and endangered species (T&E) assessments, archeological studies, environmental site assessment, and environmental compliance work for City and County agencies, school districts, national and local retailers, commercial real property developers and managers, telecom companies, energy providers, law firms, financial institutions, and construction clients. This position will assist our team of biologists, natural resource experts, and planners within the Houston area and throughout Texas. This position is open to professionals at different stages of their career and who bring different experiences working with the National Environmental Policy Act. Examples of background experience that we are looking for include HUD, FEMA, and Transportation NEPA. We are looking for a team-oriented individual to work with our existing program to support Terracon's growth in Houston and the surrounding region.
General Responsibilities:
The successful candidate for this position will primarily be responsible for conducting Environmental Assessments involving resources that may include jurisdictional wetlands, threatened and endangered species and habitat assessments, noise evaluations, environmental justice, cultural resources, hazardous materials, and others. Duties will include contributing to proposals, report writing, and exhibit preparation for various projects as assigned. Responsibilities of this position may also include preparing CWA Section 404 permit documents; NEPA documentation; consultation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers on permitting; and assisting with mitigation evaluation and design. Identify and evaluate ecological risk factors and recommend risk strategies/design to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.
• Perform site visit, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
• Support other Environmental Planning projects, tasks, and activities as assigned.
• Contribute to proposals, methodologies, and research designs for all types and phases of projects.
• Support the marketing of our Environmental Planning and NEPA services to new and existing clients.
• Collaborate with department managers and staff across Texas and in other regions.
• Contribute to annual business plan for the specialty service team.
• Possess strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Possess skills to become Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one of more environmental/technical areas.
• Serve as an inter-disciplinary team member in meetings and communications with client pertaining to specific projects/tasks.

• Over time, this position will come with opportunities to manage projects according to Terracon's Project Manager standards and expectations.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Texas species, ecosystems, and applicable state and federal environmental laws and regulations
• USACE 40-hour wetland delineation certification
• Experience with ArcGIS and digital recording tools and platforms for use in the field

Required:

• A safety-oriented mindset consistent and willingness to be part of Terracon's commitment to workplace safety
• Understanding of federal funding and how it affects NEPA review requirements according to different agencies and their protocols
• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree in Natural Resources or closely related field
• Willingness to travel overnight for up to extended periods of time
• Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history
• Must be willing and able to pass a drug screen and background check
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely using both written and verbal skills.
• Ability to multi-task within flexible/fluid schedules and project needs.
• Ability to collaboratively work in a team setting and be detail oriented.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting, and walking on uneven surfaces carrying at least 20 lbs. of equipment, and ability to work in extreme (hot/cold) weather conditions
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship

About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO 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, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.