Environmental Compliance Manager

Port Houston•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Compliance Manager plays a pivotal leadership role within Port Houston’s Environmental Affairs team. The Environmental Compliance Manager will lead the team of coordinators through compliance, permitting, auditing, and a variety of other complicated environmental programs from cross functional disciplines including air, water, waste, sustainability, construction project oversight, remediation, tanks, spills, hazmat coordination, environmental permits, and regulatory oversight with various agencies (USACE, EPA, TCEQ, NEPA, etc). Provides subject matter and technical expertise in a minimum of four scientific disciplines, while managing contracts, budgets, and consultant work to achieve and sustain environmental initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field
7+ years of progressive experience in environmental permitting, with a focus on state and federal land-based environmental regulatory compliance
Previous people-management experience required
In-depth understanding of: Clean Water Act (404/401) as applied to land-based projects
NEPA, ESA, RCRA, CERCLA, TCEQ regulatory programs
Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Experience coordinating with EPA, TCEQ, and local environmental agencies.
Previous and comprehensive experience in permitting projects in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Ability to interpret environmental regulations, communicate permitting strategies, and manage consultants and timelines
Strong analytical, writing, and project management skills
Strong knowledge of Clean Water Act (Sections 404, 401), NEPA, TCEQ, TGLO, EPA, ESA, MBTA, RCRA, CERCLA, and Clean Air Act.
Familiarity with TCEQ permitting programs (stormwater, air, waste, remediation)
Understanding of Nationwide and General Permits (as applicable to upland development)
Experience with Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments
Understanding of wetland delineation, habitat surveys, and ecological assessments
Ability to interpret and apply complex environmental regulations
Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
Project management skills for tracking multiple permits and deadlines
Stakeholder engagement with agencies, consultants, and internal teams
Critical thinking and environmental risk analysis
Competency in reviewing and editing environmental reports and permits
Ability to collaborate across departments and functions
Work independently and use sound judgment in permit planning
Adapt to evolving regulations and project needs
Maintain organized documentation and records
Coordinate consultants, contractors, and field teams for surveys or studies
Maintains integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
Highly detail-oriented and organized
Shows initiative and takes ownership of responsibilities
Team-oriented and supportive of department goals
Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as presentation skills
Computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Ability to mentor and support subordinates and promote a high degree of motivation
Ability to travel to attend conferences, meetings and workshops
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to track and explain any differences in budget line items
Ability to interact comfortably with all levels of management
Attention to detail
A current, valid Texas driver's license is required
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment
Considered essential employees and may be required to work on holidays, evenings, nights, and be immediately recalled for emergencies at any time. They must remain available and "on call" 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, dependent on emergency

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Certified Professional Environmental Auditor certification preferred for auditor function

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and oversee environmental programs with and through the environmental compliance coordinators.
Examine Port Houston operations to identify process improvements and ensure compliance with environmental regulations across the organization
Manage day-to-day activities of the Environmental Compliance Coordinators
Support Port Houston’s efforts by ensuring permitting and compliance projects meet current environmental regulations and best practices and will service as a backup to the director of environmental affairs during his/her absence
Act as a mentor to the other Environmental Compliance Coordinators and is acting as an Environmental Affairs Director, as needed
Assist in developing a five- and ten-year strategic plan to minimize Port Houston’s environmental footprint in a sustainable fashion, develop metrics to track progress, and re-assess and report on progress annually
Develop scopes of work, negotiate contracts for professional environmental services, and manage environmental consultants
Oversee and manage highly complex permits, and contracts through legal requirements, project management, cost constraints and budgets
Coordinate business functions with the appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure that all required permitting is in place, and that permit limitations are compatible with business needs
Develop and implement environmental strategies and action plans
Assess and implement existing and proposed local, state and federal regulations
Assist with environmental compliance through education, training, implementation of corporate compliance and company initiatives
Serve as permit project manager for all non-marine, land-based environmental permits, including: Nationwide Permits (NWP) under Section 404/10/401, with USACE when applicable
TCEQ permits and registrations (e.g., stormwater, remediation, air, waste).
EPA-regulated activities, such as spill prevention, hazardous materials, and site investigations
Monitor, interpret, track, and analyze proposed environmental, energy and related legislation, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and local levels that could potentially adversely impact Port Houston or could significantly increase environmental compliance requirements and costs
Lead or support NEPA compliance processes, including Environmental Assessments (EA) and coordination of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), when triggered by federal funding or agencies
Conduct and/or manage consultants for wetland delineations, biological surveys, and species/habitat impact assessments
Oversee Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to support real estate, development, or remediation decisions
Promote and raise awareness at all organizational levels on the impact of emerging environmental issues
Conduct inspections, audits, and training to ensure implementation of best management practices, adherence to regulatory requirements, and promote continuous improvement
Demonstrate environmental compliance, maintain compliance records and document, and submit required reports and documents to various regulatory agencies within the required time limits
Perform data assessment and analysis of environmental data using GIS and other software
Serve as subject matter expert to assess impacts of the changes and actively participate in policy development through industry associations and direct integration with regulating agencies
Identify and prioritize potential environmental risks and develop appropriate control and/or abatement mechanisms
Research proposed local, state and federal regulatory changes; assess impacts of the changes and actively participate in rulemaking activities through industry associations and direct interaction with regulators; maintain liaison with agencies, NGO’s, other stakeholders
Coordinate and engage environmental personnel and other personnel in the identification, development and implementation of environmental goals which will positively impact and add value to the organization
Actively participate in regularly scheduled project review meetings, provide input to work plans or schedule issues, identify risks and project materials or vendors needed to support the project, and promptly inform project lead regarding environmental concerns, requirements, compliance issues, corrective measures, etc.
Conduct regular site inspections to assess compliance with the plan and permit requirements and monitor construction site’s environmental performance
Monitor, document and guide initiatives to minimize waste, avoid accidental releases or spills, and otherwise reduce potentially harmful releases to air, water, or soil
Assist the Grant Manager with grant proposals for air or sustainability activities
Manage and ensure compliance with TCEQ’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) or Corrective Action processes.
Asbestos abatement and disposal oversight and documentation.
Tier II hazardous chemical inventory reporting and coordination with internal departments.
Track and interpret regulatory updates from EPA, TCEQ, and other relevant agencies; assess implications for Port operations and permitting timelines.
Serve as the liaison with internal stakeholders and consultants to ensure timely, complete submittal of permit applications and environmental reports
Maintain documentation, correspondence logs, and project tracking in coordination with the Environmental Compliance Coordinator and project managers
Ensure delineation from Channel Marine Regulatory by coordinating, when necessary, on joint jurisdictional determinations but keeping this role focused strictly on upland and terrestrial environmental permitting responsibilities
Represent Port Houston in interagency meetings and public engagement forums on topics within this role’s scope
Perform related duties as required