Environmental Safety & Health Mgr

American Electric Power; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 137,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) seeks an experienced ES&H leader to steer the strategic direction of the Environmental, Safety, and Health programs across the company. The role oversees policies, permitting, compliance oversight, workforce training, and corporate reporting to align with federal and state regulations and company policies.

You will lead audits, risk analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring the safety and health of employees and compliance with OSHA, EPA, and

Qualifications

• Eight or more years of related environmental, safety and health experience.
• Experience interpreting OSHA, EPA, and state DEQ permitting requirements.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and permit requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel overnight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee ESH programs, compliance initiatives, management systems, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Develop, implement, and communicate policies and procedures to meet federal, state, and local regulations including OSHA and environmental requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and strategic guidance on environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, safety performance, and risk management.
• Direct audits, inspections, investigations, assessments, and corrective action programs to identify hazards and improve performance.
• Coordinate environmental compliance activities, permitting efforts, regulatory reporting, and external stakeholder interactions.
• Lead proactive prevention initiatives, hazard control strategies, and continuous improvement processes for operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Strategic direction

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical or biological science, engineering, or related subjects

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for executing the strategic direction of the Environmental, Safety, and Health (ES&H) team by providing leadership, guidance, and technical expertise to ensure the effective implementation of and compliance with associated programs across the operating company. This includes policy development, regulatory and permit compliance oversight, workforce training, and corporate reporting aligned with federal and state regulations, permits, and company policies. The role provides leadership and coordination of ES&H functions, including environmental permitting, compliance programs, and the development and continuous improvement of management systems supporting the operating, while ensuring the safety and health of employees.

Job Description

What you will be doing:

• Lead and oversee environmental, safety, and health (ESH) programs, compliance initiatives, management systems, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Develop, implement, and communicate policies, procedures, standards, and program enhancements to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, MSHA, and environmental requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and strategic guidance to leadership and business units on environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, safety performance, and operational risk management.
• Direct environmental and safety audits, inspections, investigations, assessments, and corrective action programs to identify hazards, strengthen controls, and improve performance.
• Anticipate, evaluate, and mitigate environmental, safety, and health risks by analyzing trends, assessing program effectiveness, and recommending solutions.
• Coordinate environmental compliance activities, permitting efforts, regulatory reporting, and interactions with governmental agencies, consultants, industry groups, NGOs, and other external stakeholders.
• Lead the development and implementation of proactive prevention initiatives, hazard control strategies, and continuous improvement processes that advance operational excellence and workforce safety.
• Monitor organizational conformance to ESH standards and hold teams accountable for compliance, performance, and corrective actions.
• Manage environmental resources, budgets, personnel, and staff development activities, including performance management, talent development, succession planning, and workforce capability building.
• Chair or oversee safety committees, leading indicator programs, event analysis processes, and other performance-monitoring initiatives.
• Support business planning and project development by evaluating regulatory impacts, advising on facility modifications, and ensuring environmental and safety considerations are integrated into operations.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with industry associations, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders to advance company objectives and represent the organization on ESH matters.
• Make and support decisions that impact business operations, regulatory compliance, employee safety, environmental stewardship, and long-term strategic objectives.

What we are looking for:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in physical or biological science, engineering, or related subjects.
• Experience: Eight or more years of related environmental, safety and health experience. Experience working with and interpreting Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, and permitting requirements.

Other Requirements:

• Strong understanding of environmental regulations with an emphasis on protected species, land use, wetlands, water withdrawal and discharge, storm water, dust control, Spill Prevention and Counter Control, oil spills, and air quality rules. Ability to research and interpret environmental and safety regulations and permit requirements. Must have excellent communication, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Overnight travel required
• Preferred to have related graduate level course work, master's degree or professional certification (CSP, CIH, etc).

What you will get:

• SG 10: $136,539-$177,503

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Grade:

SP20-010

Compensation Range:

$136,539.00 - $177,503.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.