Job Description

Terracon’s Phoenix Office has an opening for an accomplished Senior Scientist, Engineer, or Geologist with expertise in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures, guidelines and compliance to provide support within our growing Environmental Planning and Permitting (EPP) practice. Our EPP team consists of biologists, archaeologists, and NEPA practitioners providing EPP services in the Desert Southwest Region and supporting work across the western United States. Our group currently serves clients throughout the region in a wide variety of sectors, including Power Generation and Transmission (including renewable energy), Transportation and Infrastructure, Digital Infrastructure, and Retail/Commercial, and providing services including wetland and waters of the U.S. delineation and permitting, threatened and endangered species (T&E) assessments, cultural resource management and consultations, and NEPA studies and documentation.

As a Senior NEPA practitioner, you will work with Terracon’s Phoenix office EPP group and the Rocky Mountain Division’s EPP Program Manager to develop and implement a strategy for growth in the local market. You will provide support for strategic growth of the team including mentoring and developing environmental planning practitioners, championing EPP business development locally and providing support as appropriate regionally.

This position can be based out of Terracon’s Phoenix, Arizona office.

Essential Role and Responsibilities:

• NEPA Project Management and sector growth

  • Grow and develop NEPA work within the existing EPP practice by strategically leveraging existing resources within the Phoenix office and the Rocky Mountain Division

  • May serve as team member or lead in meetings and communications with clients pertaining to specific projects/tasks

  • Oversee work performed by EPP team environmental scientists and technicians in support of NEPA projects:

    • NEPA Document Management: Lead preparation, review, and finalization of Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements

    • Agency Coordination: Manage consultations (e.g., Section 7, 106, 4(f)), present at meetings, and facilitate interagency discussions

    • Public & Stakeholder Engagement: Develop outreach materials, manage public comment processes, and incorporate feedback

    • Technical Analysis: Conduct environmental analyses, field monitoring, impact assessments, and provide technical advice

    • Project Leadership: Guide multidisciplinary teams (engineers, planners, scientists) and ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws

    • Quality Control: Ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance of all environmental documentation and reports

• Mentor and develop mid- and entry-level natural resources and NEPA specialists regionally by:

  • Becoming an Authorized Project Reviewer (APR) within Terracon’s quality program within 2 years of start date

  • Conducting occasional fieldwork with mid- and entry-level practitioners on moderate-to-complex projects to serve as a mentor

  • Serving as a career-level, fully competent NEPA professional responsible for leading and mentoring project management and project delivery

• Business Development and Proposals

  • Support EPP team efforts to cultivate external relationships and capture work

  • Develop written proposals to clients for both small and large projects, including development of project scopes and budgets

  • Enhance existing client relationships and expand Terracon’s NEPA presence in Arizona

  • Develop NEPA business locally and/or regionally through client engagement activities including presentations and business networking

• Safety and Quality

  • 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

Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in a consulting environment conducting work related to NEPA and other regulatory and permitting processes, with a strong understanding of NEPA and related environmental laws (Section 404 CWA, Section 106 NHPA, ESA) and a proficient understanding of a wide variety of EPP related services

• Demonstrated experience managing environmental compliance for major projects (infrastructure, transit, etc.) by overseeing the creation of NEPA documents, coordinating with agencies, leading public outreach, providing technical guidance, ensuring adherence to pertinent laws (CWA, ESA, Sec 106), and mentoring teams to meet regulatory deadlines

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Planning, Environmental or Biological Sciences, Anthropology, Engineering or Geology and a minimum of 15 years’ related experience

• Flexibility to work various schedules depending on client needs, and availability to travel occasionally to meetings or projects elsewhere in the western U.S.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with others in various environmental settings

• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills

• Capable of multi-tasking within flexible/fluid schedules and project needs

• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

• Ability to pass drug screening

• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license with acceptable violation history

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG), or similar professional registration/certification relevant to the type of services and projects being managed.

• Professional experience and familiarity working with a diverse array of client types and projects such as solar farms; oil and gas; multifamily, commercial and industrial developments; telecommunications; and/or municipal, state, or federal agency project work

About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 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.