Emergency Response Program Lead

Environmental At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to expand and oversee our Emergency Response (ER) business line , focused on spill/release response for derailments, hazardous material releases, oil and gas incidents, and other rapid-deployment environmental emergencies in North America. While the initial focus is industrial and energy clients, the opportunity set includes all Jacobs end s. This role will be responsible for developing strategy, driving business growth, managing operational readiness, and ensuring exceptional execution for emergency response events and preparedness training.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge of environmental emergency response, proven business development acumen, and the ability to lead teams under pressure while scaling a high‑reliability, 24/7 response capability.

Key responsibilities include:

• • A mission-driven culture focused on technical excellence, client trust, and ensuring safe, effective responses to environmental emergencies.
  • Develop and execute a multi‑year strategy to grow the Emergency Response business across sectors.
  • Build and expand client relationships with railroads, oil & gas operators, utilities, chemical manufacturers, insurance carriers, and incident‑management firms.
  • Identify new, related opportunities and service offerings
  • Lead proposal development, pricing models, and contract negotiations for ER services.
  • Build and manage a national ER readiness model, including staff availability, equipment, communication protocols, and deployment procedures.
  • Lead major incident responses as needed, providing oversight, technical guidance, and client interface during spills, derailments, fires, and hazardous releases.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, health & safety standards, and internal quality systems.
  • Develop and maintain a roster of trained responders and subcontractors to support surge capacity during significant events.
  • Recruit, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of emergency response specialists, technicians, and project managers.
  • Establish and lead training programs covering ICS, hazmat response, environmental sampling, site logistics, safety, and client communication.
  • Promote a culture of rapid response, technical excellence, and safety-first decision-making.
  • Contribute to annual business planning and fiscal year forecasting efforts.
  • Lead talent operations for a core Emergency Response group, addressing work forecasting, staffing, utilization, and resource allocation.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Emergency Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in emergency spill response, environmental consulting, or industrial incident management.
• Demonstrated experience leading emergency response teams and managing high‑pressure, field‑intensive operations.
• Strong client development and relationship‑management experience within rail, energy, industrial, or transportation sectors.
• ICS/NIMS training (ICS 100–400 or equivalent).
• HAZWOPER 40‑hour certification
• Ability to travel on short notice and participate in 24/7 emergency response rotations.
• Prior experience growing a business unit or leading a national ER program.
• Established network within railroads, major oil & gas operators, or industrial clients.
• Experience with cost recovery, insurance claims, and regulatory agency engagement (EPA, state agencies, FRA, PHMSA).

#LI-AC4

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

144,600.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

200,000.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $144,600.00 to $200,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on February 26, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

At Jacobs, we’re partnering across the globe to create the best project outcomes by maximizing the design, digital technology, and support capabilities of our Global Integrated Delivery (GID) teammates. By joining Jacobs, you’ll commit to supporting and engaging with these teams, as we work to build a company like no other.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Columbus	Ohio	United States
Washington	District of Columbia	United States
Cincinnati	Ohio	United States