Director of Environmental Permitting & Sustainable Development

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 about BNSF and our Benefits

Job Location: Fort Worth
Other Potential Locations: Fort Worth, TX 
Anticipated Start Date: 08/16/2025
Number of Positions: 1 
Salary Range: $113,100 - $150,800

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 Railway Environmental & Sustainability Department leads 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.

Position Overview:

BNSF’s Director of Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development serves as the:

• Leader, of BNSF’s Permitting Center of Excellence to proactively guide construction and expansion permitting projects across our 32,500-mile railroad network and assure compliance with environmental conditions placed on permits by regulatory agencies.
• Collaborator, with federal, state and local environmental agencies, community and tribal representatives, and other external stakeholders, in support of on-going projects as well as permitting regulatory reform efforts.
• Subject Matter Expert, for BNSF’s Permitting and Sustainable Development Program, collaborating with BNSF’s permitting team managers, internal engineering/operations/economic development partners, and external consultants.
• Strategic Advisor, incorporating sustainable solutions into short- and long-range business, capital, and operations planning.
• Champion, to continuously improve and incorporate Sustainable Development principles and practices into BNSF’s land development and management efforts, leveraging the sustainability advantages of rail to support growth.
• Creator, of permitting principes and best practices that include our Sustainable Development Playbook to avoid/minimize overall environmental impact, reduce permitting timelines, and Total Cost of Ownership.

Key responsibilities may include: 

The Director of Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development will support the development, implementation, monitoring, and measurement of BNSF’s Permitting and Sustainable Development program, that includes:

1. 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 (LRP).
2. 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.
3. Creating, managing, and continually improving BNSF’s environmental permit tracking and scheduling program to ensure that: (1) BNSF knows how many permits are currently open or have been applied for at any time; (2) Permits do not expire accidentally; (3) Permit conditions are complied with, limiting possible legal liability, and (4) Permit delays are proactively identified and resolved.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Serving as the internal BNSF leader and “go to” expert for Environmental Permitting and Sustainable Development, monitoring emerging regulations, trends, programs, and issues.
8. Managing key relationships with environmental agencies, external community representatives, and other stakeholders.
9. 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.
10. 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 degree in Environmental Science, a Science Discipline, Engineering, or Bachelor of Public Administration (with environmental focus); or a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or other closely related field.
• Ten (10) years of experience working with concepts of environmental permitting.
• Three (3) 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.
• Five (5) years of experience supporting the railroad or other transportation industries, preferred.
• 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).
  • Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act's (ICCTA) preemption clause and STB and federal court decisions regarding that clause, and general environmental issues.
  • Railroad engineering/construction standards, a plus.
  • Railroad operations and capacity planning, a plus.

• Possess an established network with other Permitting and Sustainability subject matter experts and professional organizations/contacts to support best practice sharing and continual improvement.
• Creative thinker with strong interest in executing new strategies to drive increasing value to our customers, partners, suppliers, shareholders, and employees.
• Familiarity with sustainable development standards such as ENVISION, LEED, etc.
• Exceptional interpersonal 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, Salesforce, 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 including parental, 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, visit Benefits.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities.  Please review our FAQ for 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 the Hiring 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 at https://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.

SF: MO | [[mfield5]] | Operations - Environmental | Fort Worth, TX | 76131