Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Environmental Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively seeking a dedicated and technically proficient Environmental Engineer to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be the cornerstone of our environmental compliance and sustainability programs. You'll leverage your engineering expertise to design innovative solutions, manage complex remediation projects, and ensure our operations adhere to all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This position requires a proactive problem-solver who can navigate the intricate landscape of environmental law, conduct thorough site assessments, and communicate effectively with regulatory agencies, clients, and internal stakeholders. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact on environmental health and safety, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Junior Environmental Engineer or Environmental Scientist
Environmental Technician or Specialist
Civil or Chemical Engineer with an environmental focus

Advancement To:

Senior Environmental Engineer
Environmental Project Manager
Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager

Lateral Moves:

Corporate Sustainability Manager
Regulatory Compliance Manager
Environmental Policy Advisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Prepare, review, and meticulously update comprehensive environmental investigation reports, feasibility studies, and remedial action plans for regulatory submission and client review.
Design and implement projects leading to environmental protection, such as water and wastewater treatment systems, air pollution control devices, and soil/groundwater remediation systems.
Manage the entire lifecycle of environmental permits (e.g., Air, NPDES, Stormwater, RCRA), including preparing applications, negotiating terms, and tracking compliance.
Provide high-level technical support and subject matter expertise for environmental remediation projects, contaminated site management, and legal proceedings.
Conduct and oversee Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in strict accordance with ASTM standards to identify and quantify environmental liabilities.
Develop, implement, and maintain the organization's Environmental Management System (EMS) to drive continuous improvement and ensure ISO 14001 certification.
Perform complex environmental modeling for air dispersion, groundwater contaminant transport, and hydrologic systems to predict impacts and guide design.
Author and manage Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, including conducting required inspections and training.
Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies like the EPA, OSHA, and state/local environmental departments, fostering positive relationships and negotiating favorable outcomes.
Conduct thorough environmental compliance audits of facilities and operations to identify potential risks, gaps in adherence, and opportunities for improvement.
Lead field investigation activities, including the collection and interpretation of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, and air samples.
Evaluate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of proposed construction projects and industrial activities, providing recommendations for mitigation.
Manage project budgets, develop accurate cost estimates for environmental work, and prepare compelling technical and cost proposals for new business opportunities.
Oversee subcontractors and consultants, ensuring their work meets project specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements.
Interpret and apply complex federal and state environmental regulations, including RCRA, CERCLA, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act, to daily operations.
⚫ Conduct root cause analysis for environmental incidents and non-compliance events, developing and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Develop and deliver environmental training programs for employees and contractors on topics such as hazardous waste management, spill response, and regulatory requirements.
Characterize and manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams, ensuring proper storage, labeling, transportation, and disposal in accordance with all regulations.
Review and analyze environmental and operational data to identify trends, measure performance against key metrics, and prepare reports for senior leadership.
Participate in public meetings and stakeholder engagement sessions to clearly communicate project details, technical findings, and environmental management strategies.

Secondary Functions

Support EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) initiatives by contributing to safety protocols and incident investigations.
Collaborate with the legal department to provide technical insights on environmental litigation, permit challenges, and regulatory changes.
Mentor junior engineers and technical staff, providing guidance on technical tasks and career development.
Contribute to the development of corporate sustainability reports and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) disclosures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Environmental Regulations: Deep understanding of federal and state environmental laws (RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA, NEPA, TSCA).
Site Assessment & Remediation: Expertise in conducting Phase I/II ESAs, developing remediation strategies, and knowledge of various treatment technologies.
⚫ Permitting & Compliance: Proven experience in preparing and managing air, water, and waste permits and conducting compliance audits.
Project Management: Ability to manage project scope, schedule, and budget for complex environmental projects.
GIS & Modeling Software: Proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) and familiarity with environmental modeling tools (e.g., MODFLOW, AERMOD, HydroCAD).
Technical Writing: Skill in composing clear, concise, and defensible technical reports, work plans, and regulatory correspondence.
Data Analysis: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex environmental data sets to support decision-making.
AutoCAD/Civil3D: Competency in using CAD software for designing environmental systems, site layouts, and remediation plans.
Hazardous Waste Management: Knowledge of waste characterization, profiling, and disposal procedures (HAZWOPER 40-hour certification is highly desirable).
Stormwater Management: Experience in developing and implementing SWPPPs and knowledge of erosion and sediment control best practices.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to diagnose complex environmental issues and develop innovative, practical solutions.
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences, including clients, regulators, and the public.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to ensure accuracy in data collection, reporting, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Stakeholder Management: Adept at building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal teams.
Negotiation & Influence: Ability to effectively negotiate permit conditions and advocate for project goals with regulatory bodies.
Adaptability: Flexibility to manage fieldwork in various conditions, respond to changing project priorities, and adapt to evolving regulations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant engineering or scientific field.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain one.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Geology or Hydrogeology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in environmental engineering, consulting, or a related industrial EHS role.

Preferred:

Experience in a consulting environment managing multiple projects and clients.
Direct experience liaising with state and federal environmental regulatory agencies.
Hands-on fieldwork experience, including sampling, site inspections, and contractor oversight.