Specialist III / Sr., Environmental

Nicor Gas (“Nicor”), a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas, is seeking an experienced environmental professional interested in environmental compliance and permitting energy infrastructure projects in Illinois.  Applicant must have the ability to provide experienced environmental support for existing and future system needs at Nicor.  Primary responsibilities will include project management of a variety of environmental compliance support activities including 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 job will be based at Nicor’s corporate headquarters in Naperville, Illinois. Due to the nature of this position, a hybrid work model (office and remote work) should be expected.  Nicor’s requirement is 4-days in office, in the field, or at a customer location with 1-day work-from-home. This position supports all Nicor’s business units; thus, office and remote work days may vary to meet business needs.

Job Location:     1844 Ferry Road, Naperville, Illinois60563

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 plans, policies and 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 remediation projects from initial development and planning, through permitting and construction to restoration or final closure of the site.

• 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

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

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management and environmental/natural resources permitting, compliance, environmental liability management. (Specialist III)
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management and environmental/natural resources permitting, compliance, environmental liability management. (Sr. Specialist)
• Experience in environmental natural resources permitting and compliance activities, especially the Endangered Species 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 state and local permitting and compliance activities for pipeline or utility company.
• Experience independently 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.
• Participation in industry associations or professional organizations.
• Working knowledge of environmental best practices across the energy or environmental industry.
• Experience and/or familiarity with site remediation and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA),

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.