Environmental Science Senior I - (Field Compliance - Major Projects)

socalgascareers; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Annual bonus program

401K company match

Pension plan

Work/Life Balance including PTO

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Career development tools

Job summary

SoCalGas is seeking an Environmental Science Senior I to lead environmental evaluations for complex projects and coordinate permitting with cross‑functional teams. The role emphasizes CEQA/NEPA knowledge, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration with project managers, agencies, and the public.

Requires a 4-year degree and 5 years of related experience; masters preferred. The position focuses on environmental science disciplines and field oversight within California projects.

Qualifications

• Requires a 4-year degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Preferred Master’s in environmental studies/science, urban/environmental planning, biology, anthropology/archaeology, geography, engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Act as environmental lead with project team to prepare and review environmental studies and permit applications.
• Provide technical leadership for CEQA/NEPA documents and related permit deliverables.
• Coordinate field activities, including monitoring and inspections; manage permitting schedules and stakeholder communications.
• Maintain and update environmental programs for regulatory compliance and budget alignment.
• Identify environmental issues and communicate risks to management and field teams.
• Monitor project metrics and report findings to clients and leadership.
• Support desk research, fieldwork, and lab work with data interpretation and modeling.
• Ensure reports clearly explain research, findings, and recommendations to mitigate environmental challenges.

Skills

Independent workstreams

Stakeholder influence

Problem solving

Data analysis

Regulatory interpretation

Environmental planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

About Us

SoCalGas, the nation’s largest gas distribution utility, is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to over 21 million Southern California customers. Through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the needs of our communities we proudly uphold our mindset of “Glad to be of Service” and provide exceptional customer service today and ready to meet California’s energy needs with innovative solutions for tomorrow.

As an employee of SoCalGas, you will support our core values to do the right thing, champion people, and shape the future. You will play a pivotal role in the energy transition initiatives, supporting our mission: Safe, reliable, and affordable energy delivery today. Ready for tomorrow. We are committed to attracting top talent and fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the vibrant communities we serve.

As an employee of SoCalGas, you’ll enjoy a competitive compensation plan, upward mobility opportunities and the ability to find a true work life balance. Discover the rewards of joining SoCalGas by exploring our website: Our Mission; Sustainability, In the Community, and Employee Benefits. Join SoCalGas today and become a vital part of a team that is driving innovation, championing community needs, and shaping the future of energy in California.

Primary Purpose

Solves moderate to complex environmental problems and leads small projects. Integrates multiple data sources, recommends mitigations, and improves program performance with limited supervision.

Team & Role Context

The Environmental Science Senior I is a senior level role on a team of environmental professionals in the Environmental Services Department at SoCalGas. The team’s primary role is to support Company infrastructure projects with environmental and regulatory permitting and entitlements, which may include CEQA and NEPA environmental review. Teamwork and cross functional collaboration are central to the team’s’ approach, working closely with project managers, technical experts, stakeholder engagement leads, agency partners and the public. This team is involved with project feasibility studies, permit application preparation and submittal, agency coordination and public outreach, environmental review and construction compliance monitoring. Working independently with minimal guidance, the Senior I leads the environmental evaluation and permitting activities of progressively more complex projects and possesses in-depth knowledge of environmental science, including one or more environmental disciplines, such as land use planning, biology, archaeology, air quality or related fields.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the environmental lead and work with project team members and consultants to prepare, review and complete environmental studies and permit applications.
• Provide technical leadership for environmental documents, which may include CEQA/NEPA, permit applications, and project deliverables.
• Coordinate and/or participate in field activities, including construction compliance monitoring and environmental inspections. Prepare permitting schedules, integrates with project plans, evaluates risks, and communicates with stakeholders and management.
• Maintains, monitors and updates environmental programs to ensure compliance with current regulations and budget control.
• Alerts site employees and management to environmental issues to promote environmental awareness.
• Monitors project‑specific metrics continuously and provides regular updates to clients and environmental leadership team.
• Reviews environmental compliance reports; creates and maintains databases; tracks existing regulatory reporting requirements; and coordinates responses to compliance violations.
• Provides oversight for desk‑based research, fieldwork, and/or laboratory work, including measurements, data interpretation, and computer modeling.
• Ensures technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore larger‑scale environmental challenges and complex problems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Required: a 4 year degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Preferred: Degree, preferably in environmental studies/science, urban/environmental planning, biology, anthropology/archaeology, geography, engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Required: 5 years of related experience.
• Preferred: Experience supporting environmental compliance and field implementation, including monitoring and permit tracking; assisting with scope review to identify regulations and permits; and supporting preparation and review of technical reports, permit applications, and environmental documents (e.g., CEQA, NEPA) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required: Ability to independently manage moderately complex scientific workstreams.
• Required: Ability to influence project stakeholders through sound scientific reasoning.
• Required: Ability to resolve non‑routine technical issues using professional judgment.
• Required: Knowledge of integrated environmental systems and cause‑and‑effect relationships.
• Required: Knowledge of regulatory interpretation as it applies to specific environmental conditions.
• Required: Skill in analyzing environmental data and drawing defensible conclusions.
• Required: Skill in designing and executing defined environmental studies or monitoring efforts.
• Preferred: Knowledge of environmental compliance including field monitoring and permit condition tracking. Capable of working with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with environmental regulations and review processes (e.g., CEQA, NEPA). Knowledge in one or more disciplines such as biological resources, air quality, or land use planning. Ability to perform regulatory research and project tasks.
• Preferred: Strong communication and diplomacy skills with the ability to serve as a representative for Environmental Services. Capable of coordinating with agencies, project teams, and company leadership. Demonstrate initiative and ability to work independently.

Benefits

SoCalGas offers a comprehensive benefits program to help support employees both personally and professionally. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Competitive pay & Annual Bonus program
• Medical, dental, and vision packages (plus free Mental Health resources/sessions)
• 401K company match & Company provided Pension Plan
• Work/Life Balance including generous PTO
• Wellness Programs/Classes
• Tuition/Education Reimbursement
• Career Development Tools & Resources through SoCalGas University

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