Environmental Inspector 2 (Job Family)

NiSource; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Environmental Inspector to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This role involves conducting inspections, documenting findings, and collaborating with various teams to enhance environmental performance. Candidates will leverage their expertise to propose corrective actions and drive continuous improvement in environmental practices. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development, making it ideal for those passionate about environmental stewardship and compliance.

Qualifications

• 3 years of environmental or stormwater inspection experience required.
• Ability to attain Enviro-Cert QSM or CESSWI Certifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical reviews of Environmental Compliance Plans.
• Perform environmental compliance inspections and audits.
• Communicate inspection findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Planning skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Public speaking

Data analysis

Risk assessment

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in Environmental Science

Equivalent work experience in environmental inspection

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Job Summary
The Environmental Inspector job family consists of three positions: Environmental Inspector 2 (EI2), Senior Environmental Inspector (SEI), and Lead Environmental Inspector (LEI). When successful candidates are hired into NiSource, their education, experience, capability and professional certifications will dictate the position level.

Employees in the job family will be expected to use their professional judgment and expertise as subject matter experts to document their conclusions in written reports, compile photographic evidence of compliance or non-compliance, certify findings as required by law, evaluate the adequacy of environmental plans based on site conditions, assess whether environmental requirements are satisfied and communicate technical elements of plans and regulations to stakeholders. Their responsibility further includes, but is not limited to, developing corrective actions to resolve instances of non-compliance, instructing site personnel on how to implement best management practices, and recommending improvements to designs in order to enhance environmental performance and lower the risks of adverse events.

Positions involve technical skill and specialized knowledge in areas of environmental compliance involving electric and gas construction, legal requirements, best management practices for stormwater, management of potential pollutants, and understanding of applicable standards and policies. The work involves daily visits to project sites and typically includes driving, walking, writing, using digital devices (computer, tablet, smartphone), and verbal communication. Work outside of a standard work schedule may be required to comply with permit conditions or to monitor activities that pose a high environmental risk to NiSource. Job location will be an assigned region within the company's footprint but may sometimes require travel to and work in other areas of the company. Employees will work independently but also in collaboration with operations, engineering, construction, health, safety, and environmental colleagues in the performance of their duties.

Essential Functions

• Lead technical reviews of Environmental Compliance Plans at preconstruction meetings.
• Explain environmental training & certification requirements applicable to construction personnel.
• Perform environmental compliance inspections and audits as requested or as required by policies, plans and permits including completing reports, taking photos and documenting observations.
• Propose & document corrective actions for problem areas and non-conforming activities.
• Provide technical guidance and respond to questions about environmental plans, BMPs, procedures, and protocols
• Communicate inspection findings to stakeholders.
• Evaluate erosion and sediment control plans, propose changes to plans when conditions warrant, implement document control practices for plan revisions, and certify plan amendments as required.
• Develop and implement proposals for continuous improvement.
• Investigate delineations, field-staking, and contingency alternatives during construction as required.
• Assess installation of all project signage and environmental flagging and ensure work remains within designated work areas and outside of sensitive resource areas.
• Audit installation, maintenance, and removal of erosion and sediment control measures and construction crossings of sensitive habitat for compliance with applicable standards and best practices.
• Inspect water resource crossings for proper installation of environmental controls, development of contingency plans, completion of checklists and performance of restoration activities.
• Communicate requirements for cultural, wildlife and botanical specialists and coordinate mobilization of resource specialists to specific areas as required.
• Guide implementation of unanticipated discovery protocols, including incident reporting, deployment of containment measures, and implementation of response and management plans.
• Inspect for evidence of spills and other contamination and if detected, facilitate Contractor spill response, including reports listing material(s) involved, quantity and location.
• Assess implementation of topsoil segregation requirements, dust control measures, water quality requirements, sensitive resource protection measures, and other environmental protection measures.
• Verify weed-free certificates for seed used in site restoration.
• Inspect rough and finish grading for restoration of contours and topsoil.
• Monitor handling and disposal of wastes generated at project sites.
• Monitor management and disposal of spoils generated at project sites.
• Monitor and document reclamation and habitat restoration efforts, including installation of the appropriate seed mix and mulch per project specifications. Restoration will include reseeding of native prairie, streams and wetlands.
• Monitor sampling and lab analysis results of water, soils and materials encountered at project sites and assess whether plans and management practices are adequate for compliance
• Assess sites for soil compaction and oversee decompaction and restoration of agricultural lands.
• Operate motor vehicle safely during all travel for work.
• Provide inspections, site coverage or other support outside the normal workday or work area, including overnight stays when assigned.
• Provide expertise and professional judgement on issues of environmental compliance during bid-walkdowns, constructability reviews, and scoping meetings.
• Deliver instruction, training, and presentations on environmental topics applicable to the work.
• Maintain all required certifications and credentials.

Required Qualifications for Position

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Management, Ecology or related field or equivalent work experience of two (2) years’ experience in environmental or stormwater inspection
• 3 years environmental or stormwater inspection work experience
• Ability to attain Enviro-Cert QSM or CESSWI Certifications
• Ability to attain NiSource required Operator Qualifications
• Ability to attain State issued stormwater and/or land disturbance inspector certification, if applicable
• Analytical, planning, organization, and verbal/written communication skills
• Demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to drive and monitor continuous improvement and associated change management
• Ability to drive execution using a formal methodology
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to quickly assess and make sound decisions
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
• Ability to gather and analyze data to make informed decisions
• Ability to accurately obtain, interpret, and transcribe a variety of communications and instructions
• Ability to recognize and evaluate risks, hazards, losses and prevent conflicts between activities
• Ability to learn software programs & technology tools
• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite, in particular Excel and Power Point.
• Ability to collaborate in a remote working environment
• Posses a vehicle operator’s license

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Natural Resources/Management, Ecology or related field
• >3 years environmental or stormwater inspection experience
• 1 years' experience in utility construction
• Enviro-Cert CESSWI or CPESC Certification
  The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

When successful candidates are hired into NiSource, their education, experience, capability and professional certifications will dictate the position level:

Environmental Inspector 2: $60,200 - $84,300

Sr. Environmental Inspector: $67,900- $101,900

Lead Environmental Inspector: $79,800- $119,600

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

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.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

Salary Range*:

$60,200.00 - $84,300.00

*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.

Posting Start Date:

2025-04-30

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2025-05-15

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.