Environmental Coordinator 3

NiSource Inc.; Merrillville (IN); On-site; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. is seeking an Environmental Coordinator III to lead environmental planning, permitting, and compliance for major utility infrastructure projects. You will coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies, prepare technical reports, and manage consultants and budgets. Travel required up to ~5%.

The role emphasizes strong communication, risk assessment, and delivering regulatory milestones while supporting project execution and environmental programs across NiSource assets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Engineering, Engineering, Planning, or related field.
• Minimum 7-9 years of experience in environmental permitting, planning or regulatory compliance.
• Experience obtaining environmental permits for major utility projects.
• Experience with USACE, EPA, IDEM, and state agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental planning, permitting, compliance, and regulatory approval for utility projects.
• Prepare regulatory summaries and agency comments.
• Coordinate surveys, studies, and consultants for permitting.
• Represent NiSource with regulatory agencies.

Skills

Permitting

Regulatory compliance

Environmental planning

Stakeholder communication

Project scheduling

Budgeting

Risk mitigation

Director-level summaries

Environmental regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Environmental Science

Natural Resources

Engineering

Tools

GIS

SAP

Project management tools

Job description

Essential Functions

• Lead environmental planning, permitting, compliance, and regulatory approval efforts for utility infrastructure projects, including electric transmission lines, substations, natural gas facilities, and generation assets.

• Develop permitting strategies, project schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation plans to support successful project execution and regulatory milestones.

• Coordinate and manage environmental surveys, technical studies, due diligence activities, consultants, and contractor resources required for permitting and compliance.

• Serve as the primary company representative with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, including permit negotiations, consultations, inspections, and regulatory proceedings.

• Support routing, siting, alternatives analyses, and project design reviews by evaluating environmental constraints, permitting risks, and constructability considerations.

• Ensure environmental permits, programs, and compliance obligations are properly implemented and maintained throughout project planning, construction, commissioning, and closeout.

• Monitor, analyze, and interpret environmental regulations, policies, and emerging requirements; assess impacts on business operations and provide guidance to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.

• Develop, enhance, and implement environmental programs, systems, and continuous improvement initiatives that support regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate environmental, business, and regulatory requirements; support policy, sustainability, compliance, permitting, and remediation initiatives.

• Prepare regulatory summaries, technical reports, formal agency comments, and other written communications regarding environmental requirements and business impacts.

• Communicate project status, environmental performance, risks, and compliance matters to leadership and key stakeholders.

• Support public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and community relations activities necessary to advance project objectives.

• Promote a safe work environment and ensure environmental activities are conducted in a manner that protects employees, contractors, the public, and the environment.

• Maintain current knowledge of environmental regulations, industry trends, and regulatory processes to support strategic decision-making and infrastructure development.

Required Qualifications for Position

Environmental Coordinator III

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Engineering, Engineering, Planning, or related field. Equivalent utility industry experience may be substituted.

• Minimum 7-9 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental permitting, natural resource permitting, environmental planning, or regulatory compliance.

• Demonstrated experience obtaining environmental permits and approvals for major utility, energy, transmission, pipeline, or infrastructure projects.

• Experience supporting electric transmission lines, substations, natural gas transmission pipelines, regulator stations, compressor stations, generation facilities, renewable energy developments, battery storage projects, or other large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Experience coordinating with USACE, USFWS, EPA, IDEM, Indiana DNR, state historic preservation offices, and local regulatory agencies.

• Experience managing environmental consultants, technical studies, budgets, and project schedules.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate permitting risks and develop practical strategies to support project execution.

• Strong written communication skills with experience preparing permit applications, technical reports, agency correspondence, and executive-level summaries.

• Strong working knowledge of:

• Indiana environmental regulations and permitting requirements

• Strong learning agility skills and able to adapt to a consistently changing environment

• Competent in the use of electronic spreadsheets and word processing software

• Ability to work cooperatively and build consensus in a team environment and have a strong ability to work with and be a leader in diverse team settings

• Ability to use professional judgment and work in a self-directed manner with minimal direct supervision

• Well-developed analytical and communication skills

• Approximately 5% travel

• Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Planning, or related field.

• Professional certification such as PWS, CPESC, CEP, PMP, or similar credential.

• Direct electric and natural gas utility industry experience

• Experience supporting FERC, MISO, regional transmission, or generation interconnection projects

• Experience with GIS, SAP, work management systems, environmental compliance databases, and project management tools.

• Experience managing third party consultants

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*

$96,600.00 - $144,900.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.