Natural Resources Permitting Coordinator

NiSource•Angola, IN

2d•$82,200 - $123,200

About The Position

This corporate-wide position applies professional technical skills and judgment across science, legal requirements, operational activities, and policy. The Environmental Coordinator analyzes, designs, implements, and manages existing and new environmental programs, regulations, and legislation to support business units proactively and cost-effectively, consistent with NiSource policy and business objectives. The role covers a broad range of environmental program areas, with a primary focus on natural resources and compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. The position coordinates environmental permitting and compliance activities for NiSource and NIPSCO projects and programs. It works with business partners, construction personnel, consultants, agencies, and other stakeholders to integrate operational needs with environmental risk minimization, achieve regulatory compliance, and support continuous improvement. The role also involves natural resource surveys and assessments, regulatory analysis, project coordination, stakeholder communication, and occasional emergency response support. Travel is approximately 5–25%. As a public utility, NiSource may require employees to support emergency response efforts outside normal working hours or assist with tasks outside typical responsibilities. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Science, Environmental Science, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be substituted.
3–5 years of relevant experience.
Working knowledge of natural resources permitting requirements in Indiana, including wetland and waterbody crossings, earth disturbance, and threatened and endangered species, with a focus on environmental regulations related to the energy industry.
Knowledge of energy industry operations.
Strong learning agility and ability to adapt to a consistently changing environment.
Self-directed aptitude and willingness to contribute across a wide array of environmental disciplines.
Ability to work cooperatively and build consensus within a diverse working group.
Ability to exercise professional judgment and work in a self-directed manner with an appropriate level of direct supervision.
Well-developed analytical and communication skills.
Competence with electronic spreadsheets and word-processing software.
Knowledge of work management support systems, such as SAP S/4 HANA, GIS, or Smartsheet.
Experience directing third-party consultants.
Understanding of basic project management principles.
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 5–25%.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Direct electric and natural gas utility industry experience.
Experience supporting environmental permitting and compliance for INDOT, commercial or residential real estate development, a County SWCD, or a Local MS4 program.

Responsibilities

Prepare and coordinate environmental permitting for a variety of projects and programs supporting NiSource and NIPSCO.
Coordinate and/or perform environmental activities needed to implement programs and permits properly and achieve 100% compliance, including field investigations to verify conformance with engineering and construction plans.
Coordinate with affected business partners to align operational needs and constraints with effective environmental risk minimization and mitigation.
Maintain working knowledge of current environmental regulations and the regulatory process.
Analyze and interpret environmental rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines to meet applicable requirements and corporate directives.
Oversee environmental resource surveys, environmental reports and assessments, and other environmental permitting.
Partner with construction field personnel to meet compliance goals and regulatory requirements, engage in problem-solving dialogue, and recommend improvements.
Participate in and/or lead meetings, training sessions, and calls with internal stakeholders and external partners, including contractors, agencies, and associations.
Support and implement compliance and proactive environmental systems and programs.
Use existing systems, processes, and procedures to identify and communicate opportunities for environmental continuous improvement.
Integrate business and regulatory needs and coordinate across organizational levels and business partners, using change-management tools and skills to facilitate action planning.
Communicate clearly and effectively with business partners to keep stakeholders informed of project status.
Work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and self-direction.
Promote and assure a safe working environment and public safety.
Support emergency response efforts when required, potentially outside normal hours or outside typical responsibilities.