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Vice President, Environmental Compliance

Job ID: 11620

Business Unit: Bridges and Tunnels

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: H&S/Health and Safety

Date Posted: Apr 30, 2025

Description

JOB INFORMATION

Resume Due Date: May 14, 2025

Functional Job Title: Vice President, Environmental Compliance

Department/Division: Environmental, Safety & Health

Work Location: Randalls Island, NY

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

MTA Bridges & Tunnels reserves the right to remove this posting before the application deadline.

COMPENSATION

Earnings Potential: $153,413 - $208,864

Hay Points: 1312

Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible for paid overtime in accordance with FLSA

RESPONSIBILITIES

MTA Bridges and Tunnels manages and operates nine inter-borough crossings (seven bridges and two tunnels) in the NYC region and Manhattan's Central Business District Congestion Relief Zone. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Environmental, Safety and Health, the Vice President of Environmental Compliance is a senior-level position within the Environmental, Health & Safety department, with independent and significant decision-making authority related to department policy, strategy, governance, staffing, budget, and expenditures.

This position is responsible for all phases of the Environmental program and division and serves as the lead for environmental matters related to both TBTA and CBDTP. The VP ensures agency input into capital project scopes and collaborates closely with MTA Construction & Development (C&D) to support successful project delivery, while minimizing operational disruptions and ensuring environmental compliance, safety, and facility security.

The role also includes coordination with MTA Headquarters consolidated partners to ensure seamless operations, and management of special projects at the direction of TBTA leadership. The VP represents the agency before elected officials, the MTA/TBTA Board, tolling and infrastructure industry partners, and federal and state regulatory entities. In the absence of the COO, COS, EVP, or SVPs, the VP may act with delegated authority. The role also oversees key vendor contracts.

Core Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy:

Develop and implement comprehensive policies, strategies, and governance frameworks for environmental initiatives. Establish unit goals aligned with the agency’s mission and strategic priorities. Lead strategic environmental risk analysis to proactively identify and mitigate exposures across all agency operations. Provide leadership in resource allocation, staffing, and budget planning to optimize unit performance.

Environmental Compliance and Sustainability:

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to air quality, water quality, hazardous materials, and waste. Oversee petroleum bulk storage and hazardous material handling to prevent contamination. Champion sustainability initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of agency operations.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response:

Develop and implement emergency response protocols for environmental incidents. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on crisis readiness, including hazardous material spills and natural disasters. Conduct drills and training to strengthen response capabilities.

Regulatory and Audit Oversight:

Direct the preparation and submission of mandatory compliance reports, including State Agency Environmental Audit (SAEA) reports. Engage with regulatory agencies to address audit findings and maintain compliance. Monitor regulatory changes and adjust internal practices accordingly.

Contractor and Vendor Oversight:

Ensure contractor compliance with all applicable environmental standards and contractual obligations. Set and enforce performance standards for vendors engaged in environmental work.

Training and Awareness:

Lead the development and implementation of environmental training programs for staff and contractors. Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility throughout the agency.

Performance Measurement and Reporting:

Establish and track metrics for evaluating environmental program performance. Provide regular reporting to executive leadership on compliance, risks, and operational outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

Represent the agency in meetings with elected officials, regulators, industry partners, and peer agencies. Build relationships and share best practices to enhance agency-wide environmental performance.

Staff Development and Oversight:

Lead staff training initiatives to promote environmental and sustainability awareness and compliance. Oversee performance monitoring, ensuring teams align with agency goals, safety standards, and operational excellence. Identify high-potential employees within operational areas and develop strategies for their growth into leadership roles.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Safety Management, Occupational Safety and Health Management or Industrial Hygiene preferred.

Must have a minimum of sixteen (16) years’ related experience in environmental, safety and health management or environmental engineering , preferably within a large, complex operational environment such as transportation, construction, or infrastructure , i ncluding at least ten (10) years in a management or supervisory role in a large, multi-faceted organization.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Significant experience in managing environmental compliance, incident management programs, and leading environmental -related investigations.

Expert knowledge of environmental regulations/standards such as RCRA, TSCA, water and air quality regulations.

Experience with environmental audits, regulatory reporting, and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local environmental, health and safety regulations .

Risk management skills with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental/ safety risks across facilities.

Incident investigation and root cause analysis expertise.

Expertise in developing and implementing health and wellness programs for employees.

Proficiency in environmental compliance management systems ( E MS), incident reporting systems, and compliance management tools.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and document management software.

Substantial experience leading and managing a unionized workforce and/or consultant/contractor/vendor staff.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders

Ability to build consensus and lead in a unionized or politically sensitive environment

Strong team building, listening, and prioritization skills

High level of professional integrity, discretion, and public service orientation

Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills

Ability to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements

Focused on results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement

Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially when engaging with elected officials, regulatory agencies, or the public

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels

Demonstrated ability to effectively operate in high-profile, high-pressure environments

Skilled in managing competing priorities and navigating complex organizational dynamics

Ability to be on call 24/7 and report to any of MTA Bridges & Tunnels seven bridges and two tunnel locations as needed

Unrestricted driver's license in New York State.

Preferred:

Advanced degree in environmental engineering or a related field.

Professional certifications such as Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)

Proven track record of leading regulatory compliance efforts and managing interactions with federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., NYSDEC, EPA)

Significant experience in program management for large government agencies or businesses with highly complex systems.

Proven track record of managing and leading environmental and sustainability programs across multiple sites or facilities.

Experience working in high-risk environments (e.g., construction, transportation, industrial operations), preferably within the transportation or public infrastructure sectors.

In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations, including Hazardous Waste, EPA regulations, and other relevant federal and state laws.

Strong understanding of emergency preparedness, crisis management, and response protocols.

Experience in developing training programs focused on environmental compliance and sustainability , including ongoing staff development.

OTHER INFORMATION

MTA Bridges and Tunnels is governed by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).

Also, pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

HOW TO APPLY

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.

Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.