Environmental Inspector Lead

NiSource•Valparaiso, IN

4d•$82,200 - $123,200•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Environmental Inspector (LEI) provides technical leadership and coordination for environmental inspection activities supporting electric and gas construction. This role builds on Senior Environmental Inspector responsibilities by guiding inspectors, coordinating coverage and assignments, supporting quality and safety, and serving as a subject matter expert for environmental compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Management, Ecology, or a related field.
At least five years of environmental or stormwater inspection experience, including at least two years supporting utility construction.
Knowledge of environmental compliance, natural-resource permitting, erosion and sediment controls, water-resource crossings, restoration practices, and construction plans.
Experience leading work, facilitating groups, coaching others, analyzing data, making sound decisions, and driving corrective actions and continuous improvement.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, planning, organizational, and stakeholder communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and use digital inspection and collaboration tools.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel, work at construction sites and utility rights-of-way, and support work outside normal hours when required.
Ability to obtain and maintain required NiSource operator qualifications and applicable environmental or stormwater inspection certifications.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or formal team-lead experience.
EnviroCert International CESSWI or CPESC certification.
Applicable state-issued stormwater or land-disturbance inspector certification

Responsibilities

Review environmental compliance plans and provide technical guidance during preconstruction, constructability, scoping, and field activities.
Conduct and document environmental inspections and audits, including photographs, findings, corrective actions, and required certifications.
Evaluate erosion and sediment controls, water-resource crossings, sensitive-resource protections, spill response, waste and spoil management, and other permit requirements.
Monitor restoration activities, including grading, topsoil management, soil decompaction, seeding, habitat restoration, and sampling results.
Communicate requirements and inspection results to contractors, project teams, leaders, and environmental resource specialists.
Develop corrective actions and continuous-improvement recommendations to reduce environmental risk and improve compliance.
Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate inspectors; review reports for quality and completeness; and support candidate interviews and hiring recommendations.
Coordinate inspector assignments, schedules, meetings, and project coverage with the Team Leader and represent the inspection team in stakeholder meetings.
Maintain required licenses, certifications, and operator qualifications; travel to project sites and provide support outside normal work hours or assigned areas when needed.

Benefits

Essential services to customers 24/7.
Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.
Workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work.
Encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.
Recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints.
Treat others with professionalism and care, and each play a part in creating a positive work environment.
Support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
Value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings.
Committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Commitment to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law.
Reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position.
Safety is a core value at NiSource.
Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.