Specialist III, Environmental

Southern Company • Virginia Beach, VA

4d • $77,258 - $121,406 • Hybrid

About The Position

Virginia Natural Gas (VNG), a Southern Company Gas subsidiary, is seeking an environmental professional with three or more years of relevant experience to support environmental compliance, permitting, inspections, and field activities for natural gas infrastructure projects in Virginia. This role is well suited for a developing environmental professional who can work collaboratively with internal teams, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies while continuing to build technical expertise. The successful candidate will provide environmental support for new and existing natural gas infrastructure by assisting with permitting, compliance tracking, field inspections, due diligence reviews, environmental documentation, and coordination with contractors, internal customers, consultants, and regulatory agencies. The position requires sound judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to manage assigned tasks in a dynamic team environment.

Requirements

• 3+ years of directly relevant environmental experience.
• Working knowledge of environmental permitting, construction stormwater requirements, erosion and sediment control practices, and field inspections.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings, stormwater plans, permit conditions, and environmental procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage assigned tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project priorities.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to document field findings and explain compliance requirements clearly.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a willingness to consult appropriate resources.
• Basic understanding of wetland, stream, and natural resource survey concepts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to use GIS, SharePoint, databases, or other compliance tools.
• BA/BS in physical or natural science, including Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, Engineering (Environmental, Civil, or similar) or other related discipline

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Virginia environmental agencies and permitting processes is preferred.
• MS in physical or natural science, including Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry, Engineering (Environmental, Civil, or similar) or other related discipline
• Applicable professional experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree for candidates with significant environmental compliance, permitting, utility, construction, or regulatory experience.
• Experience supporting permitting or environmental compliance for utility, pipeline, construction, or linear infrastructure projects, including Virginia DEQ Annual Standards and Specifications.
• Virginia DEQ erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, inspection, plan reviewer, or related certification.
• Experience or training in construction stormwater inspections, SWPPP implementation, or erosion and sediment control best practices.
• Familiarity with wetland and waterbody delineation principles, biological field surveys, or natural resource permitting.
• Experience assisting with SPCC plans, waste management activities, NEPA documentation, or environmental compliance audits.
• Experience using Environmental Management Information Systems, GIS, or other compliance tracking tools.
• Experience with Virginia Environmental Justice Act
• Interest in environmental best practices, sustainability, or professional development through industry associations.

Responsibilities

• Support environmental compliance for natural gas operations and construction projects.
• Assist with environmental permitting, agency coordination, and permit condition tracking.
• Conduct or support field inspections, site visits, stormwater reviews, erosion and sediment control inspections, and environmental compliance monitoring.
• Review construction drawings, stormwater plans, permit requirements, and environmental documents to identify compliance obligations and potential risks.
• Assist with environmental due diligence, desktop reviews, field surveys, and documentation for proposed projects.
• Help prepare, update, and maintain environmental plans and records, including SWPPP, SPCC, inspection reports, and compliance documentation.
• Coordinate with internal project teams, construction personnel, contractors, consultants, and environmental peers to support timely project execution.
• Track regulatory requirements, emerging environmental issues, and company procedures that may affect assigned projects or operations.
• Support environmental compliance audits, waste management activities, training, reporting, and corrective action follow-up as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• competitive base salary
• annual incentive awards for eligible employees
• health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being
• incentive program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level