Environmental Inspector 2

NiSource•Hammond, IN

4d•$62,000 - $86,800

About The Position

Job Summary The Environmental Inspector job family consists of a job progression: Environmental Inspector 1 (EI1), Environmental Inspector 2 (EI2), Senior Environmental Inspector (SEI). When successful candidates are hired into NiSource, their education, experience, capability and professional certifications will dictate the position level. Employees in the job family will be expected to use their professional judgment and expertise as subject matter experts to document their conclusions in written reports, compile photographic evidence of compliance or non-compliance, certify findings as required by law, evaluate the adequacy of environmental plans based on site conditions, assess whether environmental requirements are satisfied and communicate technical elements of plans and regulations to stakeholders. Their responsibility further includes, but is not limited to, developing corrective actions to resolve instances of non-compliance, instructing site personnel on how to implement best management practices, and recommending improvements to designs in order to enhance environmental performance and lower the risks of adverse events. Positions involve technical skill and specialized knowledge in areas of environmental compliance involving electric and gas construction, legal requirements, best management practices for stormwater, management of potential pollutants, and understanding of applicable standards and policies. The work involves daily visits to project sites and typically includes driving, walking, writing, using digital devices (computer, tablet, smartphone), and verbal communication. Work outside of a standard work schedule may be required to comply with permit conditions or to monitor activities that pose a high environmental risk to NiSource. Job location will be an assigned region within the company's footprint but may sometimes require travel to and work in other areas of the company. Employees will work independently but also in collaboration with operations, engineering, construction, health, safety, and environmental colleagues in the performance of their duties. Essential Functions Lead the planning, prioritization, and assist in the direction of work and resource allocation for a significant portion of the Environmental Inspection’s field operations Analyze and implement work load level and company/contractor decisions to enable effective resource allocation to ensure budgetary goals are met Responsible for issue identification, tracking and resolution both internally and externally Determine the impact and significance of obstacles/changes in execution of the work plan, prioritize and solve as appropriate Identify opportunities for improvement to procedures, processes and/or personnel based on data Develop a proposed solution and partner with the appropriate manager/field leader to implement enhanced improvements Partner with Planning, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and material handling to anticipate environmental inspection requirements necessary to meet customer expectations and the business plan Responsible for partnering with Engineering, Planners, and Field Leaders on work preparation as appropriate based upon financial implications, compliance issues and availability of resources Collaborate with field leadership in the identification and resolution of productivity or performance issues of field resources Identify, propose and support work management system improvement opportunities Understand internal and external customer needs and ensure solutions are developed Other Functions Lead technical reviews of Environmental Compliance Plans at preconstruction meetings. Explain environmental training & certification requirements applicable to construction personnel. Perform environmental compliance inspections and audits as requested or as required by policies, plans and permits including completing reports, taking photos and documenting observations. Propose & document corrective actions for problem areas and non-conforming activities. Provide technical guidance and respond to questions about environmental plans, BMPs, procedures, and protocols Communicate inspection findings to stakeholders. Evaluate erosion and sediment control plans, propose changes to plans when conditions warrant, implement document control practices for plan revisions, and certify plan amendments as required. Develop and implement proposals for continuous improvement. Investigate delineations, field-staking, and contingency alternatives during construction as required. Assess installation of all project signage and environmental flagging and ensure work remains within designated work areas and outside of sensitive resource areas. Audit installation, maintenance, and removal of erosion and sediment control measures and construction crossings of sensitive habitat for compliance with applicable standards and best practices. Inspect water resource crossings for proper installation of environmental controls, development of contingency plans, completion of checklists and performance of restoration activities. Communicate requirements for cultural, wildlife and botanical specialists and coordinate mobilization of resource specialists to specific areas as required. Guide implementation of unanticipated discovery protocols, including incident reporting, deployment of containment measures, and implementation of response and management plans. Inspect for evidence of spills and other contamination and if detected, facilitate Contractor spill response, including reports listing material(s) involved, quantity and location. Assess implementation of topsoil segregation requirements, dust control measures, water quality requirements, sensitive resource protection measures, and other environmental protection measures. Verify weed-free certificates for seed used in site restoration. Inspect rough and finish grading for restoration of contours and topsoil. Monitor handling and disposal of wastes generated at project sites. Monitor management and disposal of spoils generated at project sites. Monitor and document reclamation and habitat restoration efforts, including installation of the appropriate seed mix and mulch per project specifications. Restoration will include reseeding of native prairie, streams and wetlands. Monitor sampling and lab analysis results of water, soils and materials encountered at project sites and assess whether plans and management practices are adequate for compliance Assess sites for soil compaction and oversee decompaction and restoration of agricultural lands. Operate motor vehicle safely during all travel for work. Provide inspections, site coverage or other support outside the normal work day or work area, including overnight stays when assigned. Provide expertise and professional judgement on issues of environmental compliance during bid-walkdowns, constructability reviews, and scoping meetings. Deliver instruction, training, and presentations on environmental topics applicable to the work. Maintain all required certifications and credentials.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Management, Ecology or related field or equivalent work experience.
Environmental or stormwater inspection work experience
Ability to attain Enviro-Cert QSM or CESSWI Certifications
Ability to attain NiSource required Operator Qualifications
Have or have the ability to attain State issued stormwater and/or land disturbance inspector certification, if applicable
Analytical, planning, organization, and verbal/written communication skills
Demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills
Ability to drive and monitor continuous improvement and associated change management
Ability to drive execution using a formal methodology
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to quickly assess and make sound decisions
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
Ability to gather and analyze data to make informed decisions
Ability to accurately obtain, interpret, and transcribe a variety of communications and instructions
Ability to recognize and evaluate risks, hazards, losses and prevent conflicts between activities
Ability to learn software programs & technology tools
Proficiency in the Microsoft suite, in particular Excel and Power Point.
Ability to collaborate in a remote working environment
Posses a vehicle operator’s license
Physically capable of moving about on construction sites and utility right-of-ways
Demonstrated applications of Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action planning
Knowledge of safety, environmental compliance & natural resource permitting requirements
Demonstrated experience with and understanding of utility construction
Understanding of environmental compliance and installation methods for horizontal directional drill bores under water resources
Understanding of environmental compliance and installation methods for open trench excavations through water resources
Knowledge of erosion and sediment control best management practices and industry standards
Knowledge of stabilization and seeding specifications.
Demonstrated skill in reading and interpreting project plans and construction drawings

Nice To Haves

Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Management, Ecology or related field
Experience with >3 years environmental or stormwater inspection experience
1 years experience in utility construction
Enviro-Cert CESSWI or CPESC Certification
Experience and knowledge with SAP and Salesforce

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, prioritization, and assist in the direction of work and resource allocation for a significant portion of the Environmental Inspection’s field operations
Analyze and implement work load level and company/contractor decisions to enable effective resource allocation to ensure budgetary goals are met
Responsible for issue identification, tracking and resolution both internally and externally
Determine the impact and significance of obstacles/changes in execution of the work plan, prioritize and solve as appropriate
Identify opportunities for improvement to procedures, processes and/or personnel based on data
Develop a proposed solution and partner with the appropriate manager/field leader to implement enhanced improvements
Partner with Planning, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and material handling to anticipate environmental inspection requirements necessary to meet customer expectations and the business plan
Responsible for partnering with Engineering, Planners, and Field Leaders on work preparation as appropriate based upon financial implications, compliance issues and availability of resources
Collaborate with field leadership in the identification and resolution of productivity or performance issues of field resources
Identify, propose and support work management system improvement opportunities
Understand internal and external customer needs and ensure solutions are developed
Lead technical reviews of Environmental Compliance Plans at preconstruction meetings.
Explain environmental training & certification requirements applicable to construction personnel.
Perform environmental compliance inspections and audits as requested or as required by policies, plans and permits including completing reports, taking photos and documenting observations.
Propose & document corrective actions for problem areas and non-conforming activities.
Provide technical guidance and respond to questions about environmental plans, BMPs, procedures, and protocols
Communicate inspection findings to stakeholders.
Evaluate erosion and sediment control plans, propose changes to plans when conditions warrant, implement document control practices for plan revisions, and certify plan amendments as required.
Develop and implement proposals for continuous improvement.
Investigate delineations, field-staking, and contingency alternatives during construction as required.
Assess installation of all project signage and environmental flagging and ensure work remains within designated work areas and outside of sensitive resource areas.
Audit installation, maintenance, and removal of erosion and sediment control measures and construction crossings of sensitive habitat for compliance with applicable standards and best practices.
Inspect water resource crossings for proper installation of environmental controls, development of contingency plans, completion of checklists and performance of restoration activities.
Communicate requirements for cultural, wildlife and botanical specialists and coordinate mobilization of resource specialists to specific areas as required.
Guide implementation of unanticipated discovery protocols, including incident reporting, deployment of containment measures, and implementation of response and management plans.
Inspect for evidence of spills and other contamination and if detected, facilitate Contractor spill response, including reports listing material(s) involved, quantity and location.
Assess implementation of topsoil segregation requirements, dust control measures, water quality requirements, sensitive resource protection measures, and other environmental protection measures.
Verify weed-free certificates for seed used in site restoration.
Inspect rough and finish grading for restoration of contours and topsoil.
Monitor handling and disposal of wastes generated at project sites.
Monitor management and disposal of spoils generated at project sites.
Monitor and document reclamation and habitat restoration efforts, including installation of the appropriate seed mix and mulch per project specifications. Restoration will include reseeding of native prairie, streams and wetlands.
Monitor sampling and lab analysis results of water, soils and materials encountered at project sites and assess whether plans and management practices are adequate for compliance
Assess sites for soil compaction and oversee decompaction and restoration of agricultural lands.
Operate motor vehicle safely during all travel for work.
Provide inspections, site coverage or other support outside the normal work day or work area, including overnight stays when assigned.
Provide expertise and professional judgement on issues of environmental compliance during bid-walkdowns, constructability reviews, and scoping meetings.
Deliver instruction, training, and presentations on environmental topics applicable to the work.
Maintain all required certifications and credentials.