Specialist III / Sr., Environmental

Southern Company • Naperville, IL

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Nicor Gas is seeking an experienced environmental professional to manage environmental compliance and permitting for energy infrastructure projects in Illinois. This role involves providing expert environmental support for existing and future system needs, including project management of environmental compliance activities, permitting reviews, regulatory interpretation, and strategy development for Nicor’s operations and construction. The position requires the ability to support multiple projects of varying scales and environmental needs, maintain knowledge of company procedures and environmental regulations, and effectively interface with internal/external customers and agencies. The job is based at Nicor’s corporate headquarters in Naperville, Illinois, with a hybrid work model requiring 4 days in the office, field, or at a customer location and 1 day work-from-home. Office and remote work days may vary to meet business needs.

Requirements

• BA/BS in physical or natural science, including Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, Engineering (Environmental, Civil, or similar) or other related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management and environmental/natural resources permitting, compliance, environmental liability management. (Specialist III)
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management and environmental/natural resources permitting, compliance, environmental liability management. (Sr. Specialist)
• Experience in environmental natural resources permitting and compliance activities, especially the Endangered Species Act, floodplain/floodway regulations, and Clean Water Act (incl. stormwater, waters of the U.S. , NPDES and water quality certification)
• Working knowledge of stormwater best management practices for construction activities.
• Ability to read and understand standard pipeline construction design and stormwater plans.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with an ability to adapt to a changing and fast-paced team environment.
• Computer skills, including the use of GIS systems, SharePoint and other databases.

Nice To Haves

• MS in physical or natural science, including Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry, Engineering (Environmental, Civil, or similar) or other related discipline
• Permitting and environmental compliance for linear utility construction activities.
• Experience with state and local permitting and compliance activities for pipeline or utility company.
• Experience independently managing large or complex projects with significant environmental implications, such as the impacts or risks associated with different construction methods or techniques.
• Experience managing environmental inspector(s) during construction or restoration activities.
• Experience or understanding of wetland and waterbody delineation principles.
• Stormwater management or erosion and sediment control training or certification
• Experience preparing SWPPP or SPCC plans.
• Participation in industry associations or professional organizations.
• Working knowledge of environmental best practices across the energy or environmental industry.
• Experience and/or familiarity with site remediation and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Responsibilities

• Supports the company's compliance with environmental plans, policies and requirements.
• Conducts or manages environmental permitting/consultation/authorization activities related to natural gas pipeline systems, including underground natural gas storage and related ancillary facilities.
• Manages environmental permitting of remediation projects from initial development and planning, through permitting and construction to restoration or final closure of the site.
• Supports environmental aspects of company operations through compliance, reporting, field inspection/monitoring and stewardship/sustainability/social goals.
• Performs comprehensive environmental due diligence or desktop reviews during planning of construction projects or other ground-disturbing activities.
• Provides the necessary support to the Environmental Affairs team to resolve environmental matters.
• Interacts with Federal, State, and Local regulators on behalf of the company.
• Performs training to internal and external customers.
• Drafting or maintaining plans, such as Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
• Manages stormwater drainage issues and oversight of environmental compliance requirements for vegetation maintenance activities.
• Conducts field surveys and site visits as needed, including to conduct compliance reviews and meetings with construction and inspection personnel.
• Monitors and analyzes environmental policies and regulations that affect the company and its customers.
• Assists with environmental compliance audits.
• Provides supply chain or controls duties, including maintaining current consultant contracts, purchase orders, and invoices.

Benefits

• This position may require travel within the Nicor service area in northern Illinois on an occasional to regular (5-20% travel) basis.
• Most travel does not require an overnight stay but some trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights an estimated two to three times per year.
• This position will require the ability to respond to urgent environmental issues when contacted during traditional and non-traditional work hours, as issues arise.
• On-call duties are estimated as 20% year.

What This Job Offers

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