Director of Environmental Permitting & Sustainable Development

(NEPA, USACE Sections 401/404/408, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, ESA, etc.)

On Location at BNSF's Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas (not a remote work role)

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, 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 aboutBNSFandourBenefits

Job Location:Fort Worth
Other Potential Locations:Fort Worth, TX
Anticipated Start Date:11/03/2025
Number of Positions:1
Salary Range:$158,580 - $176,200

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 RailwayEnvironmental & Sustainability Departmentleads 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.

BNSF is looking for a strategic and forward-thinking Director of Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development to lead its Center of Excellence. This high-impact role will guide regulatory compliance and drive innovation across more than six hundred construction and expansion projects annually. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise, strong leadership, and a collaborative mindset to:

• Serve as a trusted subject matter expert, supporting internal teams and external partners in navigating complex environmental permitting and sustainable development processes, with specialized knowledge in:

• • NEPA compliance and environmental review processes,
  • USACE permitting under Sections 401 (water quality), 404 (wetlands), and 408 (civil works modifications),
  • Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act for activities in navigable waters,
  • Endangered Species Act consultations and biological assessments, and
  • Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for evaluating impacts on cultural and historic resources.

• Forge proactive partnerships with federal, state, and local environmental agencies, tribal and community stakeholders, and collaborate closely with BNSF's Government Affairs Team to shape and advance environmental permitting reform.
• Champion Sustainable Development, integrating forward-thinking principles into land use and management strategies that leverage the environmental benefits of rail to support long-term growth.
• Design and implement innovative solutions, including BNSF's Sustainable Development Playbook, to reduce environmental impact, streamline permitting timelines, and optimize total cost of ownership.
• Function as a strategic advisor, integrating sustainability into BNSF's business, capital, and operational planning to ensure resilient and responsible growth.

Key Accountabilities:

The Director of Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development will lead the strategic design, execution, and continuous improvement of BNSF's comprehensive Permitting and Sustainable Development program, to include:

• Overseeing the Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development Team and function, including providing strategic permitting advice for projects on BNSF's annual capital plan and Long-Range-Plan.
• Managing or serving as a subject matter expert on cross-department sustainable transportation projects that include sustainable development planning; rail yard technologies; efficient use of land, ecosystem, and water resources; and leveraging the sustainability advantages of rail to support growth.
• 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.
• Providing interface between the Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development function, and key BNSF operations teams to influence the business to drive for sustainable development and operations in communities where we operate.
• Serving as the internal BNSF leader and "go to" expert for Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development, monitoring emerging regulations, trends, programs, and issues.
• Providing support to BNSF's Engineering Services and Structures Teams during project construction to ensure compliance with permit conditions and providing support should permits require modification during construction.
• Supporting development of training materials and participating in outreach activities to diverse internal and external audiences concerning BNSF's permitting program and related sustainable practices.
• Managing key relationships with environmental agencies, external community representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Supporting the development and content of BNSF's Annual Report, biennial Corporate Social Responsibility Report, and triennial Materiality Assessment.

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 or Bachelor of Engineering, Environmental Science or related field required.
• Master of Science or PhD in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
• Twelve (12) years of experience working with concepts of environmental permitting and compliance.
• Five (5) years of experience with sustainability or sustainable development; experience can include climate change initiatives, energy efficiency, environmental management systems, sustainable land use/development, or similar.
• A minimum of five (5) years of team leadership experience (i.e., having direct reports) with an environmental focus.
• Five (5) years of experience supporting the railroad or other transportation industries, preferred.
• Professional certification (e.g., Professional Engineer, Professional Geologist, etc.) is desirable.

Other Required Knowledge and/or Experience:

• Extensive and demonstrated knowledge of 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 401, 404, and 408 permitting programs and related permits.
  • Other clearances and permits and the laws requiring them (e.g., Endangered Species Act, Flood Control Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act).
  • A strong understanding of sustainability and how to implement sustainable business solutions required.

• Possess an established network with other Permitting and Sustainability subject matter experts and professional organizations/contacts to support best practice sharing and continual improvement.
• Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act's (ICCTA) preemption clause and STB and federal court decisions regarding that clause, and general environmental issues preferred.
• Creative thinker with strong interest in executing new strategies to drive increasing value to our customers, partners, suppliers, shareholders, and employees.
• Exceptional people skills to quickly build partnerships and forge trust with internal and external stakeholders.
• 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, 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 includingparental, 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, visitBenefits.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities. Please review ourFAQfor 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 theHiring 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 athttps://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.

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