Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Environment Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As an Environment Engineer, you will be responsible for the technical and strategic management of all environmental affairs at our facility and project sites. This role involves a blend of hands-on fieldwork, regulatory analysis, project management, and strategic planning. You will serve as the primary technical expert on environmental compliance, pollution control, and sustainability, interfacing with internal teams and external agencies to ensure our operations are conducted in an environmentally responsible and compliant manner.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Environmental Scientist
EHS Specialist
Junior Civil/Chemical Engineer
Environmental Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Environment Engineer
Environmental Manager or EHS Director
Corporate Sustainability Lead
Principal Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Project Manager
Process Improvement Engineer
Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive environmental compliance programs for air, water, and waste to ensure full adherence to local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., EPA, CAA, CWA, RCRA).
Prepare, review, and submit complex environmental permit applications, modifications, and renewals for air quality (Title V), wastewater discharge (NPDES), and waste management.
Lead environmental incident investigations, conduct thorough root cause analyses, and develop and track corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs) to prevent recurrence.
Manage the facility's hazardous and non-hazardous waste programs, including waste characterization, profiling, storage, manifesting, transportation, and disposal in accordance with RCRA regulations.
Oversee the design, installation, and operation of pollution control systems and equipment, such as air scrubbers, wastewater treatment facilities, and soil remediation technologies, ensuring optimal performance.
Conduct regular environmental audits, site inspections, and risk assessments to proactively identify potential non-compliance issues and areas for improvement in our Environmental Management System (EMS).
Serve as the primary point of contact and technical expert during regulatory agency inspections, inquiries, and negotiations, fostering a professional and transparent relationship.
Develop and maintain critical environmental plans, including the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan, and the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data (e.g., air emissions, water quality samples, soil analyses) to monitor performance, assess environmental impacts, and prepare mandatory regulatory reports like TRI and DMRs.
Provide expert environmental guidance and technical support for capital projects, process modifications, and new product introductions to ensure environmental risks are managed from the design phase.
Conduct Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I & II ESAs) to identify and evaluate potential environmental liabilities associated with property transactions or site development projects.
Manage and oversee environmental consultants, contractors, and laboratories, defining scopes of work, managing budgets, and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
Lead the development and continuous improvement of the site's Environmental Management System (EMS), potentially driving for or maintaining ISO 14001 certification.
Champion and manage corporate sustainability initiatives, including projects focused on waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, and reducing the company's overall carbon footprint.
Coordinate and oversee field-based environmental activities, such as groundwater monitoring, soil sampling, and remediation system operation and maintenance (O&M).

Secondary Functions

Develop and deliver environmental training programs for employees and contractors to promote a strong culture of environmental awareness and compliance.
Stay current with emerging environmental regulations, industry best practices, and innovative technologies to advise management on potential impacts and strategic opportunities.
Assist in the preparation and management of the annual environmental budget, including forecasting costs for compliance, permitting, consulting, and capital projects.
Support the broader EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) team by participating in cross-functional initiatives and safety programs.
Maintain comprehensive and organized records for all environmental permits, reports, monitoring data, and compliance documentation.
Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to identify opportunities for pollution prevention (P2) and process optimization that have environmental benefits.
Prepare and present regular updates on environmental performance, compliance status, and strategic initiatives to senior management.
Respond to and manage community inquiries or concerns related to the facility's environmental performance in a professional and timely manner.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Regulatory Expertise: Expert knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations (e.g., CAA, CWA, RCRA, EPCRA, TSCA, CERCLA).
Environmental Permitting: Proven experience with Title V, NPDES, and solid/hazardous waste permits.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS): Strong preference for ISO 14001 implementation and auditing experience.
Pollution Control Systems: Knowledge of the design and operation of wastewater treatment, air pollution control devices, and other systems.
Waste Management: Expertise in hazardous and non-hazardous waste characterization, handling, and disposal logistics.
Site Assessment and Remediation: Experience with Phase I/II ESAs and knowledge of various remediation technologies.
Technical Reporting: Ability to compile, analyze, and report on complex environmental data (e.g., DMRs, TRI, GHG reports).
Plan Development: Proven ability in SPCC and SWPPP plan development and implementation.
Technical Software: Proficiency with environmental modeling software, GIS, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
Field Sampling: Familiarity with environmental sampling techniques for various media (soil, water, air).

Soft Skills

Project Management: Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously from conception to completion.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Capable of effectively communicating technical information to diverse audiences, from plant floor operators to senior leadership and regulatory agents.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Mindset: Adept at identifying root causes of complex issues and developing practical, effective solutions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing regulations, preparing reports, and maintaining compliance records.
Stakeholder Management: Skilled in negotiating with regulatory agencies and collaborating with internal teams and external consultants.
Leadership and Influence: Ability to drive change and foster a culture of environmental responsibility, often without direct authority.
Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic environment with evolving regulations and business priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.

Preferred Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) degree; Professional Engineer (PE) license or other relevant certifications (e.g., CHMM, REP).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-10 years of progressive experience in an environmental engineering or EHS role.

Preferred: Experience within a manufacturing, consulting, chemical, or heavy industrial environment is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience directly interfacing with regulatory agencies is a significant plus.