Principal Environmental Specialist

McDermott International, Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 330,517 - 440,690; Full time

Job summary

McDermott International, Ltd seeks a Principal Environmental Specialist to address complex environmental issues with autonomy. This role involves managing environmental performance across projects, leading compliance efforts, and interacting with senior management.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, possess 7–8 years of relevant experience, and demonstrate strong skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• 7-8 years of experience in the Energy or Construction industry, preferably in EPCI project execution.
• Experience with technical activities onshore and offshore.
• Knowledge of local environmental laws, codes, regulations, and norms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead implementation of the Environmental Management System.
• Establish KPIs and monitor compliance through audits and inspections.
• Communicate and advise senior management on environmental issues.

Skills

Environmental Engineering

Environmental Management

Leadership

Conflict Resolution

Technical Writing

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Safety, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

RegScan

Intelex

FigBytes

PowerBI

Job description

Job Overview

The Principal Environmental Specialist will solve complex environmental problems and work independently with minimal guidance. They may lead functional teams or projects and are regarded as a specialist in the environmental field, requiring in-depth expertise and broad knowledge within the Health Safety Environment Security function.

Responsibilities

• Be familiar with company, facility, and project-specific HSES terms, requirements, and deliverables.
• Develop, lead implementation, and ensure the Environmental Management System aligns with corporate, legislative, and client requirements, including compliance with standards such as ISO 14001 and considerations for activities like engineering, construction, operations, and contractor interfaces.
• Develop an integrated approach to HSE and environmental risk management across projects and contractors.
• Participate and provide inputs as required, ensuring mitigating controls remain suitable and sufficient.
• Develop and implement HSES plans, procedures, and instructions required by contract and aligned with corporate and legislative requirements.
• Manage, monitor, and advise on all matters related to the environmental component of the project.
• Provide technical and commercial support during the tendering stage.
• Support planning and execution of internal environmental audits and compliance assurance programs.
• Monitor compliance through systematic audits, performance monitoring, and front‑line inspections.
• Establish KPIs, monitor compliance, and identify trends.
• Identify and interpret new and local environmental regulations, assessing their impact on the site/vessel business plan.
• Prepare and deliver permit applications, renewals, clearances, consents, and authorizations for work in compliance with statutory requirements.
• Participate in subcontractor/vendor HSES pre‑qualification and bid evaluation processes.
• Review and approve subcontractors and vendors for equipment and services.
• Attend and provide input at kick‑off meetings, constructability reviews, readiness reviews, emergency planning, etc.
• Lead environmental investigations and root‑cause analysis following incidents or non‑compliances.
• Ensure corrective actions and recommendations are acted upon and reports are completed for statutory and process requirements.
• Review and provide environmental input to MOCs and lessons learned.
• Provide SME guidance for the production of HSES information, training, education, and awareness materials.
• Communicate and advise senior management on environmental issues and concerns related to projects and site operations.
• Present overall environmental performance to management as necessary.
• Act as a proactive client interface.
• Coordinate project environmental activities; business travel may be required.
• Manage environmental performance indicator data collection, reporting, tracking, and analysis.
• Implement and support communication and awareness of environmental initiatives and campaigns.
• Contribute to McDermott’s annual Sustainability Report and questionnaires.

Essential Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Safety, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7–8 years of experience in the Energy or Construction industry, preferably in EPCI project execution.
• Experience with technical activities onshore and offshore.
• Key competencies associated with the environmental function.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge and interpretation of local environmental laws, codes, regulations, and norms.
• Trained and experienced ISO standards lead auditor (9001, 14001, 45001, or 50001).
• Statistical and data analysis ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Conflict resolution and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).

Preferred Qualifications and Education

• Advanced education (MBA or other master’s level).
• Project‑management experience.
• Knowledge of RegScan, Intelex, FigBytes, and PowerBI platforms.