Vice President Environmental Compliance

Vice President Environmental Compliance

Job ID: 14824

Business Unit: Bridges and Tunnels

Location: New York, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: H&S/Health and Safety

Date Posted: Mar 12, 2026

Description

Job Title: Vice President Environmental Compliance

Resume Due Date: Until Filled

Department: Environmental, Safety & Health

Work Location: Randalls Island

Earnings Potential: $183,999 - $229,999

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

MTA Bridges and Tunnels operates the largest bridge and tunnel network in New York City, managing nine crossings that include seven bridges and two tunnels. Serving more than 336 million vehicle crossings each year, this network connects communities across the five boroughs and supports regional mobility. In addition, MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T) oversees the Congestion Relief Zone, working to ensure safe, efficient travel and a more sustainable urban environment. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Telework:

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.

Job Summary:

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.

Key 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.

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.

Must have a minimum of ten (10) years in 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 (EMS), 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.

Additional Information:

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

Other Information:

Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

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”).

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

How to Apply:

For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants: Visit ( , click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”. Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.

Comprehensive Benefits & Total Rewards Package:

Transportation & Financial Benefits

• Commuting Made Easy – Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.

• Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost – Access high-quality individual, family and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision and life insurance plans.

• Secure Your Future – Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous Time Away – Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.

• Holistic Support Services – Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

• Learning & Development Program – Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.

• Educational Investment – Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

• Employee Assistance Programs – Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources.

• Discounts & Perks – Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.

• Connect & Belong – Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

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.