Natural Resources Permitting Coordinator

NiSource•Fort Wayne, IN

10h

About The Position

This corporate-wide position requires professional technical skill and judgment integrating science, legal requirements, operational activities, and policy. The Environmental Coordinator analyzes, designs, implements, and manages environmental programs, regulations, and legislation to provide proactive, cost-effective environmental support for business units in line with NiSource policy and business objectives. Responsibilities span environmental program areas, with a primary focus on natural resources and compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. The role coordinates environmental permitting for projects and programs supporting NiSource and NIPSCO, and coordinates or performs activities needed to implement environmental programs and permits and achieve full compliance. It works with business partners and construction personnel to align operational needs with environmental risk minimization, supports surveys and environmental reports, interprets regulatory requirements, and communicates project status and improvement recommendations. The position also supports environmental compliance systems and programs, participates in stakeholder meetings and training, and may assist with emergency response efforts outside normal hours when needed. Approximately 5–25% travel is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Environmental Science, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be substituted.
A minimum of 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 energy-industry environmental regulations.
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 range of environmental disciplines.
Ability to work cooperatively and build consensus within a diverse working group.
Ability to use professional judgment and work independently with an appropriate level of direct supervision.
Well-developed analytical and communication skills.
Competence using 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.
Approximately 5–25% travel.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring 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 projects and programs supporting NiSource and NIPSCO.
Coordinate or perform environmental activities necessary to properly implement programs and permits and attain 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 or assessments, and other environmental permitting.
Partner with construction field personnel to achieve compliance goals and meet regulatory requirements.
Engage in problem-solving dialogue and recommend improvements and compliance actions.
Participate in 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 continuous improvement related to the environment.
Integrate business and regulatory needs and coordinate across organizational levels and business partners, using change-management tools and skills to facilitate action planning.
Communicate project status clearly and effectively to business partners and stakeholders.
Promote and assure a safe working environment and public safety.
Support emergency response efforts when required, potentially outside normal hours or beyond typical responsibilities.