Environmental Scientist - American Rail Engineers Corporation

At ARE we foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.  Our diverse team of engineers, FAA-certified pilots, GIS analysts, and more are driven by professionalism, passion, and commitment to safety and sustainability.  We value community involvement, embrace diversity and technology, and champion fresh ideas. Join us and be part of a team that makes a difference. Our rapidly growing company provides exceptional service, in both the field and office settings. As an expert in rail and bridge systems, our focus is to keep our clients’ best interests in the design of repairs.

The Environmental Scientist is responsible for managing a wide variety of railroad projects from culvert replacements to potentially full bridge replacements spanning over large navigable waterways. You will work directly with regulators to permit projects, coordinate with clients, and collaborate with team members. Our Environmental Services division is growing, and you will be integral in building this team. Future opportunities will include mentoring and training new grad level biologists pertaining to field work, and the ever-changing regulatory requirements. This position reports to the Overland Park office with opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.

• Assess environmental impacts of railroad projects and craft NEPA documents, including categorical exclusion and impact statements.
• Collaborate closely with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on CRISI grant funding for innovative projects.
• Ensure ESA (Endangered Species Act) compliance by evaluating impacts on threatened and endangered species through desktop screenings, habitat assessments, and field surveys.
• Prepare detailed biological assessments and facilitate effective coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
• Perform wetland and stream delineations, write jurisdictional determination reports, and manage Section 404 permits.
• Identify and secure state and local permits required for projects.
• Conduct diverse field surveys, including plant and bird identification, bat monitoring, and habitat assessments, using tools like GPS, ArcGIS, and statistical modeling.
• Participate and perform tasks such as mist-net surveys, acoustic monitoring and habitat conservation planning.

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.
• 4+ years minimum of environmental experience in linear infrastructure required.
• Excellent communication skills – both oral and technical writing skills.
• The ability to travel seasonally up to 40-50% based on national project needs is required.
• Experience leading and owning special projects performing bird, raptor, and bat surveys.
• Experience with conducting wetland and stream delineations is required.
• Ability to lead and manage projects.
• Have a growth mindset and willingness to expand your expertise, positioning yourself as a key contributor across all facets of our organization.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Please direct all inquiries to: 

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Stacey Cowan, Senior Consultant – scowan@omnihrm.com | 913.653.8085

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment. EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.