Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Environment Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

As an Environment Specialist, you are the cornerstone of our commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory integrity. You will be instrumental in developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive suite of environmental programs designed to ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This role involves a blend of technical analysis, hands-on fieldwork, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication. You will act as the subject matter expert on all environmental matters, from air and water quality to waste management and sustainability reporting, safeguarding our operations and championing our journey towards a more sustainable future.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Environmental Technician or Coordinator
EHS Generalist
Recent Graduate (Environmental Science/Engineering)

Advancement To:

Senior Environment Specialist or Environmental Manager
Corporate EHS Director
Sustainability Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Health & Safety Manager
Project Manager (Environmental Remediation)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and maintain the facility's Environmental Management System (EMS), aligning with ISO 14001 standards and corporate objectives.
Manage the entire lifecycle of environmental permits (air, water, waste), including preparing applications, negotiating conditions, tracking renewals, and ensuring operational compliance.
Conduct comprehensive environmental compliance audits and site inspections to identify potential risks, non-compliance issues, and opportunities for improvement.
Prepare and submit all required environmental reports to regulatory agencies such as the EPA, state environmental departments, and local authorities (e.g., SARA Tier II, TRI, GHG reporting, DMRs).
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agency inspections, inquiries, and correspondence, fostering a professional and cooperative relationship.
Oversee the facility's hazardous and non-hazardous waste management programs, including waste characterization, profiling, labeling, storage, and coordinating disposal with certified vendors.
Lead environmental incident investigations, perform root cause analysis, and develop and track corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to prevent recurrence.
Develop and deliver engaging environmental training programs for employees at all levels, covering topics like spill response, waste handling, and general environmental awareness.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret environmental data related to air emissions, water discharges, and waste generation to track performance and identify trends.
Manage Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) and Stormwater Pollution Prevention (SWPP) plans, including regular inspections and plan updates.
Evaluate the environmental impact of new projects, equipment, and process changes through a formal Management of Change (MOC) process.
Drive sustainability initiatives by identifying and implementing projects focused on waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention.
Conduct environmental due diligence and site assessments (Phase I/II ESA) for property transactions or internal risk evaluation.
Maintain a deep and current understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations (e.g., RCRA, CWA, CAA, CERCLA, EPCRA) and their impact on operations.
Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate environmental requirements into process design and daily operational procedures.
Manage environmental budgets, including forecasting costs for consulting, permitting, waste disposal, and pollution control equipment.
Review and interpret complex technical documents, such as environmental impact statements, hydrogeological reports, and laboratory analytical results.
Lead the site's Emergency Response team for environmental incidents, ensuring readiness through drills and effective communication protocols.
Prepare and present regular performance reports and strategic recommendations to senior management regarding environmental compliance and sustainability metrics.
Engage with community groups, industry associations, and other external stakeholders on environmental matters to enhance the company's reputation.
Champion a proactive environmental culture across the organization, encouraging all employees to take ownership of their environmental responsibilities.

Secondary Functions

Support the broader EHS team with cross-functional initiatives, including health and safety audits and program development.
Participate in the selection and management of environmental consultants, contractors, and other third-party service providers.
Maintain all environmental records, permits, and documentation in an organized, audit-ready state.
Assist in developing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for environmental and sustainability goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Regulatory Analysis: In-depth knowledge of federal (EPA) and state environmental regulations, including Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), RCRA, EPCRA, and TSCA.
Environmental Permitting: Proven experience in preparing, submitting, and managing air, water (NPDES), and waste permits.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS): Expertise in developing and auditing EMS, particularly based on the ISO 14001 standard.
Technical Report Writing: Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate technical reports, permit applications, and regulatory correspondence.
Waste Management: Expertise in hazardous and non-hazardous waste characterization, storage, and disposal regulations.
Site Assessment: Familiarity with ASTM standards for Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments.
Data Analysis: Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental data to track compliance and performance.
SPCC/SWPPP: Strong working knowledge of developing, implementing, and maintaining Spill Prevention and Stormwater Pollution Prevention plans.
Incident Investigation: Skilled in root cause analysis methodologies to investigate and resolve environmental incidents.
Sustainability Metrics: Experience with sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB) and calculating environmental footprints (carbon, water).
GIS/AutoCAD: Familiarity with GIS or AutoCAD software for site mapping and environmental data visualization is a plus.

Soft Skills

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from conception to completion, on time and within budget.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
Interpersonal Skills: Adept at building collaborative relationships with internal teams, regulators, and external partners.
Influence & Negotiation: Ability to influence operational changes and negotiate effectively with regulatory agencies.
Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing regulations and business priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science
Environmental Engineering
Geology or Hydrogeology
Chemistry
Biology or a related natural science field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of direct experience in an environmental compliance or EHS role.

Preferred:

Experience in an industrial, manufacturing, or consulting environment.
Professional certification such as Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Registered Environmental Manager (REM), or Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP).