Principal Specialist, Environmental Management | Onsite San Diego HQ

Neurocrine Biosciences • San Diego, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Environmental Specialist serves as a subject matter expert for environmental compliance and hazardous waste management. The role develops, leads, and continually advances enterprise environmental programs, systems, policies, and best practices that ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while championing Neurocrine's strategic business objectives. Operating with a high degree of independence, this role partners across Research & Development, Operations, Facilities, Corporate Functions, and external regulatory agencies to influence environmental strategy, mitigate enterprise risk, and drive continuous improvement across the organization. The Principal Environmental Specialist leads complex environmental initiatives, provides technical leadership on regulatory matters, develops scalable compliance solutions, and serves as the organization's go-to resource for environmental management.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in a scientific or related discipline preferred and 6+ years of relevant experience in the environmental health and safety field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience/training may be considered OR AS degree in a scientific or related discipline and 8+ years of relevant experience in the environmental health and safety field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience/training may be considered
• HAZWOPER 40-hour certificate preferred.
• DOT Hazardous Material Handler certificate preferred.
• DOT 49 CFR and IATA certificate preferred.
• Experience working in laboratory, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research, manufacturing, or similarly regulated environments preferred.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations and standards, including hazardous waste management, hazardous materials handling, environmental permitting, and compliance reporting.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance programs applicable to research, laboratory, manufacturing, and/or biotechnology environments.
• Ability to interpret regulations, policies, permits, and technical guidance documents and apply requirements to operational activities.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute multiple assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to identify environmental risks, evaluate impacts, and recommend appropriate corrective or preventive actions.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data and communicate findings effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and environmental management or compliance tracking systems.
• Ability to drive hazardous waste management activities, including waste characterization, storage, shipment coordination, and vendor oversight.
• Ability to lead environmental permitting and compliance programs while maintaining accurate documentation and records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive company vehicles.
• Demonstrates understanding of Neurocrine's business objectives and applies knowledge of functional area processes to drive organizational goals.
• Applies knowledge and experience within Environmental Health & Safety while continuing to expand technical expertise and professional capabilities.
• Utilizes systems, tools, and technologies required to lead environmental compliance, reporting, inspections, and program administration.
• Establishes productive working relationships and collaborates effectively across functions to achieve shared objectives.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with employees, leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Applies analytical thinking and sound judgment to identify issues, evaluate options, and recommend practical solutions.
• Adapts to changing priorities and business needs while maintaining a high level of quality and customer service.
• Demonstrates strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Demonstrates attention to detail while maintaining awareness of broader operational impacts.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex regulatory requirements into practical solutions that protect people and the environment.
• Operating with a high degree of independence, guide site management and senior stakeholders on hazardous materials, radiation safety, and process risk, applying advanced analytical thinking to solve non-routine compliance challenges.
• Own environmental permitting strategy and compliance governance for assigned sites, ensuring long-term regulatory compliance while identifying opportunities to standardize permitting practices across the enterprise.
• Serve as the technical authority for environmental compliance by advising leaders, project teams and cross-functional stakeholders on regulatory strategy, risk mitigation and environmental program implementation.
• Lead environmental compliance assessments and trend analyses, identifying systemic risks, recommending enterprise corrective actions, and influencing long-term compliance improvements.
• Lead the development of and/or administrative review of product or project-specific Environmental Safety Plans, including conducting technical reviews for low to medium risk projects.
• Maintain, monitor, and lead aspects of local environmental safety, including related policies and procedures.
• Lead, as applicable to operational area and/or project, regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal environmental safety standards and regulations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing appropriate solutions with involved parties.
• Develop and lead in the facilitation of company Environmental Safety Training program including leading development and delivery of employee training.
• Respond to incidents promptly, coordinating appropriate response activities and owning investigations, including development of corrective and preventive actions to reduce recurrence.
• Develop strong partnerships with senior leaders across Operations, Facilities, Research, Engineering, Procurement, Quality and Legal to proactively manage environmental risk and integrate environmental compliance into business planning.
• Lead implementation of EHS programs (e.g., lab safety, biosafety, controlled substance, particularly hazardous chemicals, fire safety, inspections, risk assessments) under direction of Global Director, EH&S.
• Provide technical guidance on Environmental related challenges and risk reduction activities during research and development and clinical operations, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Investigate hazards, near misses and incidents with the goal of finding root causes and implementing ways to prevent recurrence.
• Directs chemical operations and Process Safety Management activities by providing subject matter expertise within established procedures.
• Perform EHS assessments for new processes, projects, and equipment that include risk assessments, waste management, chemical storage, and instrument connections.
• Drive the strategic roadmap to enable ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, establishing scalable processes and best practices adopted across multiple functions.
• Lead onsite Emergency Response Procedures, planning activities, tabletop exercises, and Operational Excellence initiatives; may facilitate designated activities under guidance of Director, EH&S.
• Deliver training and coaching programs that strengthen employee understanding of Environmental Safety requirements, safe work practices and safety leadership behaviors.
• Implement and monitor permitting programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Establish strategic partnerships with environmental consultants and regulatory service providers and driving continuous improvement through vendor governance.
• Monitor and control employee exposure to radiation, chemical, and biological hazards.
• Owns management of company personal protective equipment (PPE) and other similar programs, maintaining inventory and operation of safety equipment, including calibrating detection equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• retirement savings plan (with company match)
• paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Associate degree