Nikolas Simonson Email & Phone Number

Seattle, Wa, Us

My consulting experience spans across multiple sectors and service lines. As Managing Consultant, I help organizations navigate the complexities of the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program. My FEMA Program Delivery Management experience, Federal Regulatory Policy expertise (Stafford Act, CFR, NEPA, CWA, CAA, ESA, NHPA), and technical background aid clients in effectively streamlining the reimbursement process. Both for infrastructure losses and eligible force account disaster recovery projects… Show more My consulting experience spans across multiple sectors and service lines. As Managing Consultant, I help organizations navigate the complexities of the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program. My FEMA Program Delivery Management experience, Federal Regulatory Policy expertise (Stafford Act, CFR, NEPA, CWA, CAA, ESA, NHPA), and technical background aid clients in effectively streamlining the reimbursement process. Both for infrastructure losses and eligible force account disaster recovery projects. I am scrupulous in my approach to claims management; believing both communication and collaboration are essential elements to successfully executing disaster recovery planning. Show less

Austin, Texas, United States

Before joining DRS, I worked as a FEMA Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager supporting Hurricane Harvey (FEMA-4332-DR). While deployed I provided project management oversight for dozens of applicants, overseeing several hundred million dollars in obligated funding over the course of three fiscal years. My extensive experience extends to formulating technically complex infrastructure projects with damages that often triggered floodplain issues, historic preservation, 406 Hazard… Show more Before joining DRS, I worked as a FEMA Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager supporting Hurricane Harvey (FEMA-4332-DR). While deployed I provided project management oversight for dozens of applicants, overseeing several hundred million dollars in obligated funding over the course of three fiscal years. My extensive experience extends to formulating technically complex infrastructure projects with damages that often triggered floodplain issues, historic preservation, 406 Hazard Mitigation, codes and standards, 50% Rule Analysis (Repair vs Replacement), as well as “critical action” and “substantial damage designations.” Through this experience, I developed an eye for detail, becoming an expert in identifying eligibility concerns that threaten project. close-out or create delays in grant obligation. Show less

Gulf Shores, Alabama

As Environmental Project Manager, my consulting experience expanded to include construction management/permitting, NEPA/regulatory compliance, Esri ArcGIS, water resources management, delineating wetlands, hazardous materials and cultural resources screenings, PD&E air quality and noise studies, conducting threatened and endangered species surveys, environmental site assessment and wildlife habitat evaluation. I also helped authored several technical reports/planning documents; including… Show more As Environmental Project Manager, my consulting experience expanded to include construction management/permitting, NEPA/regulatory compliance, Esri ArcGIS, water resources management, delineating wetlands, hazardous materials and cultural resources screenings, PD&E air quality and noise studies, conducting threatened and endangered species surveys, environmental site assessment and wildlife habitat evaluation. I also helped authored several technical reports/planning documents; including Environmental Impact Statements, Habitat Conservation Plans, Air and Noise Analysis Technical Reports, Watershed Management Plans, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, and Categorical Exclusion Permitting Documents. These skills have allowed me to manage a variety of water resources, transportation planning, and habitat conservation projects. Show less

Madison, Wisconsin Area

As Community Engagement Specialist at Dane County Land and Water Resources Department, I developed and strengthened water-related programs, partnerships and volunteer service projects on behalf of the Lakes and Watersheds Division (OLW). I worked to structure community engagement priorities, build conservation capacity and enhance strategic collaboration among watershed stakeholders. The expanded program was structured to specifically target phosphorous reduction, chloride reduction, water… Show more As Community Engagement Specialist at Dane County Land and Water Resources Department, I developed and strengthened water-related programs, partnerships and volunteer service projects on behalf of the Lakes and Watersheds Division (OLW). I worked to structure community engagement priorities, build conservation capacity and enhance strategic collaboration among watershed stakeholders. The expanded program was structured to specifically target phosphorous reduction, chloride reduction, water volume and groundwater quality/quantity in Dane County lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. The expanded community engagement program now incorporates important stakeholders that were previously unaccounted for. The collective impact of the effort demonstrates that large-scale social and environmental change requires involvement from all sectors. Rather than isolated intervention from individual organizations, the Lakes and Watersheds Division developed a framework for the inclusion of all water-related organizations (NGOs) in Dane County. Over 30 water-related groups now participate in the watershed network and remain in direct communication with the Land and Water Resources Department. Routine performance monitoring, progress review and evaluation is critical to sustaining the recently expanded collaborative conservation model. This more diverse, multi-faceted approach to civic governance emphasizes the value in working together to improve both communities and watersheds across Dane County. Including landowners in rural nutrient management initiatives will reinforce more inclusive outreach strategies while working towards future phosphorous and sediment reduction targets. Recent programming, policy and outreach efforts from OLW staff has brought landowners, resource managers and watershed groups together. Promoting watershed advocacy and education within underserved communities will continue to address barriers to public health and social equity. Show less

As a helpdesk assistant at UW-Colleges Online I was the first point of contact between our students and the University. I was a member of our support staff in the department of student services. My responsibilities included answering all technical, financial, administrative and other student services related student inquiries. Strong customer services skills were required to ensure student satisfaction was maintained for both our degree and non-degree academic programs. In addition to… Show more As a helpdesk assistant at UW-Colleges Online I was the first point of contact between our students and the University. I was a member of our support staff in the department of student services. My responsibilities included answering all technical, financial, administrative and other student services related student inquiries. Strong customer services skills were required to ensure student satisfaction was maintained for both our degree and non-degree academic programs. In addition to specializing in information technology and acting as the lesion between our students and faculty/staff I also had other office responsibilities. These included light clerical work, completing student transfer evaluations, assembling student admission packets, sending and opening student mail, managing student records and various other student services related academic support. In January 2014 I resigned my position and began an extended working holiday in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Show less

Madison, Wisconsin Area

During my time in the office I was responsible for correspondence with constituents of the 24th Senate District of Wisconsin via phone email etc. I frequently attended meetings focused on implementing economic development strategies within the district. I have authored over 50 Senate citations including legislative commendations and letters of recommendation.My other responsibilities included surveying existing legislation in statutes. I was required to do this when conducting… Show more During my time in the office I was responsible for correspondence with constituents of the 24th Senate District of Wisconsin via phone email etc. I frequently attended meetings focused on implementing economic development strategies within the district. I have authored over 50 Senate citations including legislative commendations and letters of recommendation.My other responsibilities included surveying existing legislation in statutes. I was required to do this when conducting environmental policy, research and development. This was useful in coordinating with Senator Lassa on potential future legislative proposals. I have been involved in the initial drafting stages of legislation; including the proposal for 2011 Senate Bill 554 (renewable energy tax credits). I was also involved during the Senator's re-election campaign while attending district functions including parades and canvassing. Show less

As outreach and development coordinator, I promoted environmental stewardship during campus functions and tabling events. In developing the "Be The We" program I traveled to sustainability conferences and training sessions across the state sharing our successes and learning from others. While in this position, I worked to improve student perceptions and understanding of environmental and sustainability related issues. The combination of social marketing and targeted event planning resulted… Show more As outreach and development coordinator, I promoted environmental stewardship during campus functions and tabling events. In developing the "Be The We" program I traveled to sustainability conferences and training sessions across the state sharing our successes and learning from others. While in this position, I worked to improve student perceptions and understanding of environmental and sustainability related issues. The combination of social marketing and targeted event planning resulted in a significant values shift and measurable changes in behavior. This was evident in the development of the Camp Randall Recycling Program. Program outreach included promoting awareness of energy usage, water consumption, recycling and composting. I provided oversight for the University of Wisconsin's recycling program at Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center during athletic events. We used the numbers on waste diversion from athletic events and numbers drawn during scheduled trash audits throughout campus to analyze the University's current capacity of recycling and composting on campus. Show less

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Community And Environmental Sociology, Environmental Studies

Activities and Societies: REthink Wisconsin

Master Of Science - Ms, Civil Engineering

Emphasis in LEED Energy Building Construction and Renewable Energy Infrastructure