Sr. NEPA Project Manager

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Sr. NEPA Project Manager for its Transportation team. This hybrid role requires regular attendance at our Chicago, IL office. You will contribute to the design of transportation facilities, authority‑level transport projects, and environmental documentation. You will mentor junior staff and provide guidance on NEPA/Environmental processes across planning, design, and construction.

• Work with Client Service Teams to identify upcoming projects and develop pursuit strategies, including Statement of Interest and interview strategies.
• Develop scope of work, project budgets, schedules, and post‑award staffing plans.
• Lead projects through the NEPA/Environmental and federal‑aid processes, communicating with regulatory agencies and clients.
• Deliver presentations to the public and clients on project outcomes.
• Guide Project and Staff Engineers/Planners on review and submittal of documents and permits.
• Provide technical guidance on complex problems and supervise design and study approvals.
• Analyze information and data to perform routine design tasks.
• Make independent decisions on engineering problems, represent the organization in meetings, and coordinate work.
• Ensure accuracy of NEPA documents, quality presentation, and adherence to budgets, schedules, standards, and QAQC protocols.
• Review design options and communicate findings with the design team.
• Manage workload and any changes in project schedule or scope.

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Design, Civil Engineering, Geology, Biology, or Environmental Science.
• Minimum 11–15 years of professional experience in transportation engineering; less experience may be considered for significant relevant experience.
• Ability to obtain IDOT Prequalifications for Environmental Lead for EA, EIS, and related certifications.
• Certified Environmental Professional license or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment; other certifications may be acceptable for equivalent experience.
• Strong NEPA/Environmental knowledge, including leadership of NEPA documentation, CE’s, EA’s, and EIS’s.

• Experienced at leading all aspects of NEPA environmental document development.
• Understand environmental policy, regulations, permits, and NEPA guidelines.
• Lead NEPA/Environmental processes and technical solutions that best meet project needs.

• Lead internal and external coordination with project team members across disciplines.
• Manage multiple projects, assignments, and teams.
• Identify problems proactively and propose innovative solutions.

• Coordinate with clients and sub‑consultants; lead client meetings and interactions.
• Create project presentation materials, concepts, graphics, and reports.

• Communicate and coordinate with clients for business development.
• Prepare scopes of work, fee estimates, schedules, and responses to RFPs/RISIs.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package: wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Professional development support and access to training and professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships—our employer of choice for 5,000+ industry professionals.

GFT:
Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third‑party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Chicago, IL

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Full‑Time

$170,000 – $225,000

Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location.

GFT requires the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.