NEPA Subject Matter Expert (SME) with Security Clearance

Galapagos Federal Systems; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

KFS, LLC is seeking a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support environmental compliance and planning for multiple Department of Defense projects. The role provides senior-level technical guidance to staff and project teams in developing Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, and related NEPA documents.

The candidate will mentor junior staff, coordinate with regulatory agencies, and oversee reviews for quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental planning, natural resources, biology, ecology, engineering, geography, public policy, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience supporting NEPA and environmental compliance projects.
• Demonstrated experience preparing, managing, and reviewing Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, Findings of No Significant Impact, Records of Decision, Records of Environmental Consideration, and related technical studies.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level environmental reviews, project scope and alternative development, field investigation support, planning, and scheduling guidance.
• Conduct environmental troubleshooting and consultations, providing expert technical and project advice to clients and interdisciplinary teams.
• Perform comprehensive technical and quality-control reviews of professional studies, reports, environmental analyses, and NEPA documents.
• Collaborate with managers, environmental specialists, engineers, architects, legal staff, and agency representatives on regulatory issues.
• Provide technical reviews and input for NEPA-related documents and correspondence with regulatory agencies.
• Support agency coordination, public involvement, stakeholder engagement, and NEPA consultations.

Skills

Technical writing

Editing

Research

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview KFS, LLC is seeking a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Subject Matter Expert (SME) who will support environmental compliance and planning efforts. The NEPA SME will provide senior-level technical expertise and guidance to staff- and project-level environmental specialists developing Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, and other environmental planning and compliance documents. This person will serve as a technical authority for an environmental program supporting numerous Department of Defense services with environmental compliance and NEPA projects. Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide senior-level environmental reviews, project scope and alternative development, field investigation support, planning, cost estimating, problem and conflict resolution, and scheduling guidance.
• Conduct environmental troubleshooting and consultations, providing expert technical and project advice and guidance to clients, project managers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Conduct comprehensive technical and quality-control reviews of professional studies, reports, environmental analyses, and NEPA documents.
• Collaborate with managers, environmental specialists, engineers and architects, legal staff, contract specialists, contractor personnel, and agency representatives to provide advice and insight regarding the resolution of unique and/or complex environmental compliance issues.
• Provide technical reviews and review comments for Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, Records of Environmental Consideration, Findings of No Significant Impact, Records of Decision, and supporting environmental studies and reports.
• Prepare and review environmental scopes of work and provide technical support for responses to requests for proposals for environmental projects.
• Provide expert in-house assessments of project impacts, best management practices, typical and creative mitigation measures, and the required studies, consultations, coordination, permitting requirements, costs, and timelines necessary for final project implementation.
• Evaluate proposed actions and alternatives for compliance with NEPA and other applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, executive orders, and Department of Defense policies.
• Provide technical direction regarding affected-environment analyses, environmental consequences, cumulative effects, mitigation measures, and agency and public involvement requirements.
• Prepare, review, and provide senior-level technical input for NEPA documents and correspondence with regulatory and resource agencies.
• Support agency coordination, public involvement, stakeholder engagement, and consultation activities associated with NEPA compliance.
• Mentor junior and mid-level environmental staff and provide technical guidance regarding NEPA documentation, analysis, and regulatory compliance.
• Regular verbal and written updates regarding project status will be a routine aspect of coordinating all assigned tasks.
• Travel, including potential overnight travel, will be required for up to four weeks per year. Requirements Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental planning, natural resources, biology, ecology, engineering, geography, public policy, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience supporting NEPA and environmental compliance projects.
• Demonstrated experience preparing, managing, and reviewing Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, Findings of No Significant Impact, Records of Decision, Records of Environmental Consideration, and related technical studies.
• Expert-level knowledge of NEPA, Council on Environmental Quality regulations, and applicable federal environmental laws, regulations, executive orders, and agency-specific procedures.
• Experience supporting environmental compliance projects for the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, or federal installations is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex proposed actions, alternatives, cumulative effects, mitigation measures, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Experience providing senior-level technical reviews and quality assurance/quality control of environmental documents and supporting technical analyses.
• Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, resource agencies, legal counsel, installation personnel, project stakeholders, and interdisciplinary technical teams.
• Ability to interpret federal regulations, agency guidance, technical studies, and environmental policy and translate them into practical project recommendations.
• Strong technical writing, editing, research, analytical, organizational, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions, resolve complex environmental issues, and provide defensible recommendations to clients and project teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and technical assignments with limited supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Department of Defense installations and facilities.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to travel, including overnight travel for up to 25% per year, are required. Location: Huntsville, AL Physical Requirements:Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Position may require typing and reading from a computer screen. Must have sufficient mobility, including but not limited to bending, reaching, and kneeling to complete daily duties in a timely and efficient manner. May include lifting weight up to thirty {30} pounds as necessary. KFS, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing. Positions, functions and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. KFS, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally. Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 Posted Salary Range USD $110,000.00 - USD $130,000.00 /Yr.