Environmental Inspector - Job Family

NiSource

75d • $52,400 - $101,900

About The Position

The Environmental Inspector job family consists of four positions: Environmental Inspector 1 (EI1), Environmental Inspector 2 (EI2), Senior Environmental Inspector (SEI), and Lead Environmental Inspector (LEI). The EI2 position is a progression step within the Environmental Inspector job family. 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.

Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Management, Ecology or related field.
• Possess EnviroCert International QSM, CESSWI, or CPESC Certification as well as any state required certification.
• Possess OQs required by NiSource.
• Has working knowledge and experience in own discipline.
• 3 years environmental or stormwater inspection work experience.
• Ability to attain Enviro-Cert QSM or CESSWI Certifications.
• Ability to attain NiSource required Operator Qualifications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Possess a vehicle operator’s license.
• Physically capable of moving about on construction sites and utility right-of-ways.
• State issued stormwater and/or land disturbance inspection certification, if applicable.
• 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.
• >3 years environmental or stormwater inspection experience.
• 1 years experience in utility construction.
• Enviro-Cert CESSWI or CPESC Certification.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 401k
• 401k_matching
• dental_insurance
• disability_insurance
• health_insurance
• life_insurance
• paid_holidays
• tuition_reimbursement
• vision_insurance
• wellness_programs

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees