DescriptionThe incumbent will work a hybrid schedule of 3 days in the office per week and business needs may necessitate a change in schedule
The position is within the corporate Environmental Affairs Department of Southern Company Gas (GAS), supporting Nicor Gas Company (Nicor). Applicant must have the ability to provide experienced environmental support for existing and future system needs at Nicor. Primary responsibilities will include performing environmental permitting reviews, regulatory and policy interpretation, and development of permitting and compliance strategies in support of Nicor’s operations and construction activities.
Applicant must have the ability to support multiple projects with varying levels of scale and environmental needs/requirements. Individual must maintain knowledge of Company procedures and pertinent federal, state, and local environmental regulations and policies, have the ability to effectively interface with internal and external customers and agencies, as well as be able to assist in resolving complex environmental matters.
The position is located at Nicor’s headquarters in Naperville, Illinois.
Job Overview:
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert environmental support for new and existing natural gas infrastructure including conducting due diligence evaluations, managing operations and construction environmental permitting, providing training, evaluating or interpreting regulations, plans, and procedures to ensure compliance, and interfacing with contractors, internal customers and environmental agencies. This position requires competency to consult necessary resources, work independently and ability to take initiative within a dynamic work environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supports the company's compliance with environmental requirements.
- Conducts or manages environmental permitting/consultation/authorization activities related to natural gas pipeline systems, including underground natural gas storage and related ancillary facilities.
- Manages environmental permitting of projects from initial development and planning, through permitting and construction to restoration or final closure of the site.
- Support company’s hazardous and regulated waste management program.
- Supports environmental aspects of company operations through compliance, reporting, field inspection/monitoring and stewardship/sustainability/social goals.
- Performs comprehensive environmental due diligence or desktop reviews during planning of construction projects or other ground-disturbing activities.
- Provides the necessary support to the Environmental Affairs team to resolve environmental matters.
- Interacts with Federal, State, and Local regulators on behalf of the company.
- Performs training to internal and external customers.
- Drafting or maintaining plans, such as Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
- Manages stormwater drainage issues and oversight of environmental compliance requirements for vegetation maintenance activities.
- Conducts field surveys and site visits as needed, including to conduct compliance reviews and meetings with construction and inspection personnel.
- Monitors and analyzes environmental policies and regulations that affect the company and its customers.
- Assists with environmental compliance audits.
- Provides supply chain or controls duties, including maintaining current consultant contracts, purchase orders, and invoices.
Education / Degree Qualifications
Required:
- BA/BS in physical or natural science, including Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, Engineering (Environmental, Civil, or similar) or other related discipline or similar combination of education and work experience.
Preferred:
- MS in physical or natural science, including Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry, Engineering (Environmental, Civil, or similar) or other related discipline
Work Experience & Skills:
Required
- Valid driver's license
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management and either waste and remediation management for pipelines, or environmental natural resources permitting, compliance, environmental liability management.
- Experience in environmental natural resources permitting and compliance activities, especially the Endangered Species Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, floodplain/floodway regulations, and Clean Water Act (incl. stormwater, waters of the U.S., NPDES and water quality certification)
- Working knowledge of stormwater best management practices for construction activities.
- Ability to read and understand standard pipeline construction design and stormwater plans.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with an ability to adapt to a changing and fast-paced team environment.
- Computer skills, including the use of GIS systems, SharePoint and other databases.
Preferred
- Permitting and environmental compliance for linear utility construction activities.
- Experience with managing construction waste management activities for a utility, including compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations.
- Experience with state and local permitting and compliance activities for pipeline or utility company.
- Experience managing large or complex projects with significant environmental implications, such as the impacts or risks associated with different construction methods or techniques.
- Experience managing environmental inspector(s) during construction or restoration activities.
- Experience or understanding of wetland and waterbody delineation principles.
- Stormwater management or erosion and sediment control training or certification
- Experience preparing SWPPP or SPCC plans.
- Experience managing and preparing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) submittals or documentation.
- Experience with Environmental Information Management Systems (EMIS) or other compliance solutions.
- Participation in industry associations or professional organizations.
- Working knowledge of environmental best practices across the energy or environmental industry.
- Experience and/or familiarity with environmental justice principles.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Travel requirements:
- This position may require travel within the Nicor service area in northern Illinois on an occasional to regular (5-20% travel) basis. Most travel does not require an overnight stay, but some trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights an estimated two to three times per year.
On-call duties:
- This position will require the ability to respond to urgent environmental issues when contacted during traditional and non-traditional work hours, as issues arise. On-call duties are estimated as 20% year.
Physical demands:
- This position frequently requires prolonged standing or walking, ability to lift minimum 20 pounds
Work environment:
- This position will be located in an office environment and may be exposed to varying outdoor weather conditions when working with field operations, conducting facility inspections, facilitating assessments, etc.
Disclaimer: This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.
