Role Description

The Environmental Professional is responsible for making recommendations to the BIA on real property acquisition matters that could result in associated liabilities or potential remediation costs. The role includes the following activities:

• Conduct Phase I ESAs and complete associated Phase I ESA documentation, review Phase I ESA documents, and provide recommendations to the BIA Regional Director in situations where landowner liability protections are not sought under the AAI regulations.
• Ensure that statutory and regulatory timetables are met, and that guidance is available to BIA regional and agency staff tasked with real estate and environmental activities.
• Ensure that the Phase I ESA or Limited Environmental Due Diligence: Transaction Screen Process (LEDD/TSP) is completed with technical accuracy and comprehensiveness.
• Use the most current version of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet the substantive requirements of 40 CFR Part 312, including ASTM E1527 (for commercial real estate) and ASTM E2247 (for forestland or rural property).
• Collaborate with the BIA Branch of Environmental Services staff, BIA Regional Environmental Scientists, and other DOI programs for:
  • Assistance in interpreting and implementing the requirements of this policy.
  • Seeking additional guidance on land acquisitions (e.g., environmental compliance memoranda).
  • Receiving updates to ASTM standards consistent with the EPA’s AAI requirements.
• In coordination with the COR, consult with the Office of the Solicitor (SOL) for:
  • Obtaining legal review and guidance for proposed real property acquisition(s), including advice regarding potential legal enforcement by third parties and evaluating whether the Department’s defenses for liability under CERCLA or OPA should be preserved.
  • Obtaining legal review and guidance to structure the instrument for land acquisition to minimize the Department’s and IA’s exposure to associated liabilities and potential costs of remediation.
  • Obtaining legal review concerning the applicability of this policy and its requirements to site-specific acquisitions and language in specific agreements (e.g., easements, environmental covenants, deed restrictions, indemnity agreements, and other interests).
  • Obtaining legal review of acquisitions that require AS-IA approval.

Qualifications

• Specific education, training, and experience as set forth in 40 CFR 312.10(b) and 33 CFR 137.25.

Company Description