What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Specialist position at Leeward Energy?
LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is a high-growth renewable energy company forging a sustainable future through integrity, innovation, and positive impact. We own and operate 30 large wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the United States, totaling over 3 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity. LRE has an ambitious goal of 10GW of operating assets by 2028 and are developing and contracting an increasing pipeline of new projects every year. We take a full-lifecycle approach to our projects, built on a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the environment. Job Summary: Environmental Specialist within the EHS QT Department located within the Dallas corporate office. Work with Environmental Manager to ensure compliance with local, County, State, and Federal land use and environmental entitlements, laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards for solar, wind and battery storage projects both under construction and operational throughout the continental United States. Additional functions may include tracking and/or preparation/development of compliance documentation for reporting to government agencies, financing institutions, stakeholders, and internal management; preparation of applications and procurement of environmental permits; development of compliance plans; preparation of training materials and training of operations staff; participating in diverse technical teams including internal experts and outside consultants; auditing to ensure compliance systems and plans are effective; and, familiarization and navigation or supervision of natural resource management regulations research and permitting. Responsibilities: Maintain a working knowledge of natural resource management regulations aa they apply to our project sites throughout the country; maintain familiar with the Endangered Species Act, federal/state Fish & Wildlife Services programs, federal/state Forestry Services programs, Bureau of Land Management policies/programs, Bird & Bat Conservation Plans, wetlands assessments, Cultural Resource protection, and the identification of sensitive or nuisance flora and fauna Conduct research to identify environmental policies, regulations, and best practices to support and spearhead the management of contractors that provide all necessary environmental permitting in compliance with federal, state, local, and tribal regulations, laws and guidelines. Collaborate with team members on sustainability projects and other environmental or health & safety initiatives Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability initiatives into company practices Support the preparation of environmental reports and documentation for compliance with regulations Perform other tasks assigned by the Environmental Manager. Conduct environmental audits of operational sites to ensure compliance with pertinent environmental regulations and permit requirements Assist with the development of Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasures (SPCC) Plans for operational renewable energy facilities, conduct of 5-year reviews of SPCC Plans, and preparation of SPCC Plan updates as required for both technical and non-technical changes Participate in the completion of annual Tier II reporting for all operational sites in accordance with the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) as well as state and local regulations Evaluate compliance of environmental work plans prepared by external contractors for construction projects such as SPCC Plans, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), Waste Management Plans, etc. Assist in the development of environmental management systems to include the standardization of decommissioning sites, utilization of water resources at sites, recycling and waste management for sites, procedures for fugitive emissions, and approaches to managing environmental risk Participate in the creation of environmental policies and procedures Conduct environmental audits of construction sites to provide additional oversight of SPCC Plan and SWPPP compliance Conduct vegetation and biodiversity management photo surveys of operational sites to provide data to our internal Land Stewardship staff Ability to synthesize large amounts of complex data, prepare written reports, and communicate effectively with regulators, internal management, and project stakeholders in written, verbal and/or visual presentation form Provide training to construction and operational staff on natural resources and environmental regulations and permit requirements Willing to learn new skills and capabilities to promote the overall capabilities and expertise of the Environmental Department Qualifications: Commitment to promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering (environmental, chemical, civil, mechanical or petroleum), biology, geology, or a related science At least four-five (4-5) years of work experience demonstrating responsibility and interest in environmental and natural resource management services; construction experience and renewable energy experience preferred Passion for sustainability and environmental protection Familiarity with environmental regulations, programs, permitting, best practices, systems and compliance standards Experience with Geographic Information System tools (e.g., ArcGIS) a plus Strong technical and problem-solving skills including attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members, regulators, internal management, project stakeholders and contractors Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment Basic computer skills, including the use of spreadsheets, Microsoft Office Suite Willingness and ability to travel within the United States to meet project needs (25% min.) Have a valid driver’s license, no criminal record, and the ability to pass security clearances If necessary Physical Requirements: Will sit and stand for long periods of time during the day Will require work in harsh environments on occasion Will walk, climb stairs and on equipment May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist May lift up to 50 lbs Required to use hands to lift, handle, carry or feel objects May stoop, kneel, bend, talk and hear Specific vision abilities are required May be required to wear a respirator. Thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (typically requires little or no facial hair) Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles submitted to LRE, or any LRE employee, without an active agreement or written request from LRE’s HR Department, will be considered property of LRE. LRE will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited resumes or candidates submitted in this manner. With a steadily growing portfolio of projects spanning 20 years in the clean energy industry, we are hiring, training, and developing a next-generation workforce to safely and responsibly design, construct, operate, and manage sustainable power solutions. Join us in advancing your career in the exciting field of renewable energy. In addition, to having a strong growth trajectory, LRE was also recently awarded the Fast Company's 2024 'Best Workplaces for Innovators' and was awarded as one of Dallas Fort Worth's top employers for 2024. This recognition highlights LRE's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and empowering employees to develop creative solutions that advance both the company and the renewable energy sector. Learn more Notice to Employment Agencies: Employment agencies please reach out to Joann Weathers at Joann.Weathers@LeewardEnergy.com.
