Manager of Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development

Be part of a team that values safety, diversity, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.  

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!

Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits

Job Location: Fort Worth
Other Potential Locations: Fort Worth, TX 
Anticipated Start Date: 06/01/2025
Number of Positions: 1 
Salary Range: $87,700 - $135,900

Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.

The BNSF Railway Environmental & Sustainability Department leads our company's environmental efforts. This team oversees environmental and hazardous materials compliance, liability management, and spill/emergency response. Additionally, they are dedicated to stewardship of sustainable solutions and related initiatives, ensuring that BNSF remains a responsible corporate citizen.

Position Summary:

The Manager of Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development will serve as BNSF’s subject-matter-expert managing the environmental permitting activities for engineering construction and expansion projects across the BNSF Network.

This role will collaborate across BNSF’s operations, with a focus on supporting our Engineering Services, Signals/Telecom, Economic Development, and Environmental Operations Teams, to develop and apply sustainable design elements to responsively avoid impacts and/or minimize the permitting time and effort to construct these projects. 

In partnership with, and reporting to BNSF’s Director of Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development, the Manager serves as:

• Subject Matter Expert, for BNSF’s Permitting and Sustainable Development Program, providing permitting guidance to our Engineering, Operations, and Economic Development partners, and external environmental permitting consultants.
• Advocate and Co-Lead, for BNSF’s Permitting Center of Excellence to proactively guide construction and expansion permitting/restoration projects and assure compliance with environmental conditions placed on permits by regulatory agencies, limiting possible legal liability.
• Champion, to continuously improve and incorporate Sustainable Development principles and practices into BNSF’s engineering construction and land development efforts, leveraging the sustainability advantages of rail to support growth.
• Creator, of permitting principes and best practices that include our Sustainable Development Playbook to avoid/minimize overall environmental impact, reduce permitting timelines, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Collaborator, with federal and state environmental permitting agency partners, community and tribal representatives, and internal BNSF and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities may include: 

The Manager will support the day-to-day implementation, monitoring, and measurement of BNSF’s Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development program, that includes:

1. Managing BNSF’s environmental permitting portfolio and collaborating across our operations teams, focused on federal and state environmental permitting regulations, inclusive of but not limited to:
   • The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations.
   • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Section 404 permitting programs and related permits.
   • Other clearances and permits and the laws requiring them (e.g., Endangered Species Act – Section 7, Flood Control Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act – Section 106).
   • State permitting regulations (e.g., California Environmental Quality Act – CEQA, and Washington State Environmental Policy Act – SEPA)
   • Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act's (ICCTA) preemption clause and STB and federal court decisions regarding that clause, and general environmental issues.
2. Communicating directly and clearly to multiple teams on the status of permit applications, project permit requirements, project timelines, and related compliance accountabilities.
3. Assuring compliance with environmental conditions placed on permits by regulatory agencies and ensuring timely closeout of permits, minimizing cost and resources by unnecessarily keeping permits open.
4. Advancing BNSF’s Sustainable Development Principles and Playbook, focused on:

                 Siting & Communities - Reduce impact on the environment and promote compatible land use.

                 Permitting - Drive permit success/speed.

                 Design - Develop optimized alternatives to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

                 Construction - Incorporate sustainable construction practices.

                 Operations - Position sites for long-term sustainable operations and maintenance.

1. Managing and continually improving BNSF’s environmental permit tracking and scheduling program to ensure that: (1) BNSF knows how many permits are currently open or have been applied for at any time; (2) Permits do not expire accidentally; (3) Permit conditions are complied with, limiting possible legal liability, and (4) Permit delays are proactively identified and resolved.
2. Supporting development of training materials and participating in outreach activities to diverse internal and external audiences concerning BNSF’s environmental permitting program and related sustainable practices.
3. Serving as an internal BNSF subject-matter-expert for Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development, monitoring emerging regulations, trends, programs, and issues.
4. Co-managing key relationships with environmental agencies, external community representatives, and other stakeholders.

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties. 

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree or Bachelor of Engineering, Environmental Science or related field required; Master of Science or Master of Engineering, Environmental Science or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of environmental experience working with concepts of environmental permitting; railroad or engineering experience preferred. 
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills, to quickly build partnerships and forge trust with environmental staff, other BNSF departments, external consultants and contractors, and government agencies. 
• Extensive and demonstrated knowledge of federal and state environmental permitting regulations, inclusive of but not limited to:
  • The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Section 404 permitting program and related permits.
  • Other clearances and permits and the laws requiring them (e.g., Endangered Species Act – Section 7, Flood Control Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act – Section 106).
  • State permitting regulations (e.g., California Environmental Quality Act – CEQA, and Washington State Environmental Policy Act – SEPA)
  • Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act's (ICCTA) preemption clause and STB and federal court decisions regarding that clause, and general environmental issues.
• Experience with sustainable land use/development a plus; experience can include climate change initiatives, energy efficiency, environmental management systems, or similar.
• Familiarity with sustainable development standards (e.g., ENVISION, LEED, etc.) as well as railroad engineering/construction standards and operations and capacity planning, a plus.

• Possess an established network with other Permitting and Sustainability subject matter experts and professional organizations/contacts to support best practice sharing and continual improvement.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to mine and build out permitting and sustainability metrics and synthesize data.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills (e.g., MS Office, GIS, Salesforce, Enablon/EMIS, etc.). 

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities.  Please review our FAQ for more information and awareness.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process.  Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC.  More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

SF: MO | [[mfield5]] | Operations - Environmental | Fort Worth, TX | 76131

Salary : $87,700 - $135,900