Environmental Inspector Lead

NiSource Inc.; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 82,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. seeks a Lead Environmental Inspector to provide technical leadership for environmental inspection activities supporting electric and gas construction.

You will guide inspectors, coordinate coverage, support safety and quality, and serve as a subject matter expert for environmental compliance. You will review plans, conduct field inspections, and communicate results to project teams and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Management, Ecology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of environmental or stormwater inspection experience, including utility construction.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance, permitting, erosion controls, and restoration practices.

Responsibilities

• Review environmental compliance plans and provide technical guidance during preconstruction, constructability, scoping, and field activities.
• Conduct and document environmental inspections and audits, including photos, findings, and corrective actions.
• Evaluate erosion and sediment controls, water-resource crossings, restoration protections, and permit requirements.
• Monitor restoration activities, including grading, seeding, habitat restoration, and sampling results.
• Communicate requirements and inspection results to contractors, project teams, leaders, and environmental resource specialists.
• Develop corrective actions and continuous-improvement recommendations to reduce environmental risk and improve compliance.
• Train, coach, mentor inspectors; review reports for quality and completeness; assist with interviews and hiring decisions.
• Coordinate inspector assignments, schedules, and project coverage with the Team Leader; represent the inspection team in stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Documentation

Travel

Microsoft Office

Environmental compliance

Field inspections

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

5+ years environmental/stormwater inspection experience

Job description

Job Summary

The Lead Environmental Inspector (LEI) provides technical leadership and coordination for environmental inspection activities supporting electric and gas construction. This role builds on Senior Environmental Inspector responsibilities by guiding inspectors, coordinating coverage and assignments, supporting quality and safety, and serving as a subject matter expert for environmental compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Review environmental compliance plans and provide technical guidance during preconstruction, constructability, scoping, and field activities.
• Conduct and document environmental inspections and audits, including photographs, findings, corrective actions, and required certifications.
• Evaluate erosion and sediment controls, water-resource crossings, sensitive-resource protections, spill response, waste and spoil management, and other permit requirements.
• Monitor restoration activities, including grading, topsoil management, soil decompaction, seeding, habitat restoration, and sampling results.
• Communicate requirements and inspection results to contractors, project teams, leaders, and environmental resource specialists.
• Develop corrective actions and continuous-improvement recommendations to reduce environmental risk and improve compliance.
• Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate inspectors; review reports for quality and completeness; and support candidate interviews and hiring recommendations.
• Coordinate inspector assignments, schedules, meetings, and project coverage with the Team Leader and represent the inspection team in stakeholder meetings.
• Maintain required licenses, certifications, and operator qualifications; travel to project sites and provide support outside normal work hours or assigned areas when needed.

Required Qualifications for Position

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Management, Ecology, or a related field.
• At least five years of environmental or stormwater inspection experience, including at least two years supporting utility construction.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance, natural-resource permitting, erosion and sediment controls, water-resource crossings, restoration practices, and construction plans.
• Experience leading work, facilitating groups, coaching others, analyzing data, making sound decisions, and driving corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, planning, organizational, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and use digital inspection and collaboration tools.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel, work at construction sites and utility rights-of-way, and support work outside normal hours when required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required NiSource operator qualifications and applicable environmental or stormwater inspection certifications.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Supervisory or formal team-lead experience.
• EnviroCert International CESSWI or CPESC certification.
• Applicable state-issued stormwater or land-disturbance inspector certification

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work includes frequent travel to construction sites and utility rights-of-way, walking over uneven terrain, driving, using digital devices, and communicating with project teams. Overnight travel and work outside the standard schedule may be required. This description is not intended to list every duty or responsibility 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

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

Salary Range*

$82,200.00 - $123,200.00

*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:

2026-09-22

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-10-05

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