Environmental Compliance Manager

Port-Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Port Houston seeks an Environmental Compliance Manager to lead a team responsible for permitting, auditing, and multiple environmental programs across air, water, waste, and sustainability domains. You will coordinate with USACE, EPA, and TCEQ, manage budgets and consultants, and mentor coordinators while serving as a key advisor on environmental strategy.

You will develop long-range plans to minimize environmental footprint and ensure regulatory alignment, oversee complex permits, and drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in environmental permitting and compliance.
• Experience coordinating with EPA, TCEQ, and local environmental agencies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and oversee environmental programs through coordinators.
• Identify process improvements to ensure regulatory compliance across Port Houston.
• Mentor Environmental Compliance Coordinators and act as Environmental Affairs Director when needed.
• Lead NEPA processes and manage permits, budgets, and consultants.
• Oversee Phase I–III ESAs and risk assessments; coordinate with regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Environmental compliance

Permitting

Regulatory coordination

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Port Houston. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. By applying, you are taking an important step toward advancing your career with an organization committed to excellence.Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work environment. Joining our team means embarking on a fulfilling career path with opportunities for growth and impact.Before submitting your application, please ensure your resume is ready for upload in either .doc or .pdf format. Application must be completed in full.Position Summary:Environmental Affairs Environmental Affairs Director Exempt G The Environmental Compliance Manager plays a pivotal leadership role within Port Houston’s Environmental Affairs team. The Environmental Compliance Manager will lead the team of coordinators through compliance, permitting, auditing, and a variety of other complicated environmental programs from cross functional disciplines including air, water, waste, sustainability, construction project oversight, remediation, tanks, spills, hazmat coordination, environmental permits, and regulatory oversight with various agencies (USACE, EPA, TCEQ, NEPA, etc). Provides subject matter and technical expertise in a minimum of four scientific disciplines, while managing contracts, budgets, and consultant work to achieve and sustain environmental initiatives.Key Responsibilities/Duties:Develop, manage, and oversee environmental programs with and through the environmental compliance coordinators.Examine Port Houston operations to identify process improvements and ensure compliance with environmental regulations across the organizationManage day-to-day activities of the Environmental Compliance CoordinatorsSupport Port Houston’s efforts by ensuring permitting and compliance projects meet current environmental regulations and best practices and will service as a backup to the director of environmental affairs during his/her absenceAct as a mentor to the other Environmental Compliance Coordinators and is acting as an Environmental Affairs Director, as neededAssist in developing a five- and ten-year strategic plan to minimize Port Houston’s environmental footprint in a sustainable fashion, develop metrics to track progress, and re-assess and report on progress annuallyDevelop scopes of work, negotiate contracts for professional environmental services, and manage environmental consultantsOversee and manage highly complex permits, and contracts through legal requirements, project management, cost constraints and budgetsCoordinate business functions with the appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure that all required permitting is in place, and that permit limitations are compatible with business needsDevelop and implement environmental strategies and action plansAssess and implement existing and proposed local, state and federal regulationsAssist with environmental compliance through education, training, implementation of corporate compliance and company initiativesServe as permit project manager for all non-marine, land-based environmental permits, including:Nationwide Permits (NWP) under Section 404/10/401, with USACE when applicableTCEQ permits and registrations (e.g., stormwater, remediation, air, waste).EPA-regulated activities, such as spill prevention, hazardous materials, and site investigationsMonitor, interpret, track, and analyze proposed environmental, energy and related legislation, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and local levels that could potentially adversely impact Port Houston or could significantly increase environmental compliance requirements and costsLead or support NEPA compliance processes, including Environmental Assessments (EA) and coordination of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), when triggered by federal funding or agenciesConduct and/or manage consultants for wetland delineations, biological surveys, and species/habitat impact assessmentsOversee Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to support real estate, development, or remediation decisionsPromote and raise awareness at all organizational levels on the impact of emerging environmental issuesConduct inspections, audits, and training to ensure implementation of best management practices, adherence to regulatory requirements, and promote continuous improvementDemonstrate environmental compliance, maintain compliance records and document, and submit required reports and documents to various regulatory agencies within the required time limitsPerform data assessment and analysis of environmental data using GIS and other softwareServe as subject matter expert to assess impacts of the changes and actively participate in policy development through industry associations and direct integration with regulating agenciesIdentify and prioritize potential environmental risks and develop appropriate control and/or abatement mechanismsResearch proposed local, state and federal regulatory changes; assess impacts of the changes and actively participate in rulemaking activities through industry associations and direct interaction with regulators; maintain liaison with agencies, NGO’s, other stakeholdersCoordinate and engage environmental personnel and other personnel in the identification, development and implementation of environmental goals which will positively impact and add value to the organizationActively participate in regularly scheduled project review meetings, provide input to work plans or schedule issues, identify risks and project materials or vendors needed to support the project, and promptly inform project lead regarding environmental concerns, requirements, compliance issues, corrective measures, etc.Conduct regular site inspections to assess compliance with the plan and permit requirements and monitor construction site’s environmental performanceMonitor, document and guide initiatives to minimize waste, avoid accidental releases or spills, and otherwise reduce potentially harmful releases to air, water, or soilAssist the Grant Manager with grant proposals for air or sustainability activitiesAct in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)Manage and ensure compliance with TCEQ’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) or Corrective Action processes.Asbestos abatement and disposal oversight and documentation.Tier II hazardous chemical inventory reporting and coordination with internal departments.Track and interpret regulatory updates from EPA, TCEQ, and other relevant agencies; assess implications for Port operations and permitting timelines.Serve as the liaison with internal stakeholders and consultants to ensure timely, complete submittal of permit applications and environmental reportsMaintain documentation, correspondence logs, and project tracking in coordination with the Environmental Compliance Coordinator and project managersEnsure delineation from Channel Marine Regulatory by coordinating, when necessary, on joint jurisdictional determinations but keeping this role focused strictly on upland and terrestrial environmental permitting responsibilitiesRepresent Port Houston in interagency meetings and public engagement forums on topics within this role’s scopeAct in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)Perform related duties as requiredEducation/Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field7+ years of progressive experience in environmental permitting, with a focus on state and federal land-based environmental regulatory compliancePrevious people-management experience requiredIn-depth understanding of:Clean Water Act (404/401) as applied to land-based projectsNEPA, ESA, RCRA, CERCLA, TCEQ regulatory programsEndangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty ActExperience coordinating with EPA, TCEQ, and local environmental agencies.Master’s degree preferredCertified Professional Environmental Auditor certification preferred for auditor functionPrevious and comprehensive experience in permitting projects in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of EngineersAbility to interpret environmental regulations, communicate permitting strategies, and manage consultants and timelinesStrong analytical, writing, and project management skillsKnowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:Strong knowledge of Clean Water Act (Sections 404, 401), NEPA, TCEQ, TGLO, EPA, ESA, MBTA, RCRA, CERCLA, and Clean Air Act.Familiarity with TCEQ permitting programs (stormwater, air, waste, remediation)Understanding of Nationwide and General Permits (as applicable to upland development)Experience with Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site AssessmentsUnderstanding of wetland delineation, habitat surveys, and ecological assessmentsAbility to interpret and apply complex environmental regulationsStrong technical writing and verbal communication skillsProject management skills for tracking multiple permits and deadlinesStakeholder engagement with agencies, consultants, and internal teams Critical thinking and environmental risk analysisCompetency in reviewing and editing environmental reports and permitsAbility to collaborate across departments and functionsWork independently and use sound judgment in permit planningAdapt to evolving regulations and project needsMaintain organized documentation and recordsCoordinate consultants, contractors, and field teams for surveys or studiesMaintains integrity, professionalism, and confidentialityHighly detail-oriented and organizedShows initiative and takes ownership of responsibilitiesTeam-oriented and supportive of department goalsExcellent written and verbal communication skills as well as presentation skillsComputer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPointAbility to mentor and support subordinates and promote a high degree of motivationAbility to travel to attend conferences, meetings and workshopsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationshipsAbility to track and explain any differences in budget line itemsAbility to interact comfortably with all levels of managementAttention to detailA current, valid Texas driver's license is requiredA Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employmentConsidered essential employees and may be required to work on holidays, evenings, nights, and be immediately recalled for emergencies at any time. They must remain available and \"on call\" 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, dependent on emergencyKey Competencies Required:Ethics and ValuesFocus Group EffortsLeadership PresenceManagement FocusStrategic Decision MakingTechnical/Professional Knowledge and SkillsCybersecurity Awareness and CollaborationInnovation and Technology AdaptationThis work site location of this job is:Port Houston Administration BuildingWork Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.Disclaimer:The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.We appreciate your interest in Port Houston. Port Houston is an equal employment opportunity employer. Port Houston’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Port Houston also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Application must be completed in full.