Environmental Specialist

Sims Metal; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Sims Metal in the United States is seeking an Environmental Leader to provide guidance across facilities in the Metro Region. You will lead permitting, compliance programs, and environmental initiatives while coordinating with regional leadership and legal counsel.

The role requires regular site visits and a hybrid schedule with travel averaging 3–4 days per week, supporting facilities in NY, PA, NJ, and surrounding states. A strong background in industrial environmental programs is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of environmental compliance or management experience.
• Experience supporting industrial facilities and environmental programs.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies in the Northeastern U.S.
• Experience with stormwater, waste, and air/wastewater programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental compliance and permitting activities across the Metro Region.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs for site environmental programs.
• Manage inspections, NOVs, corrective actions, and regulatory responses.
• Coordinate with operations and legal teams on environmental issues.
• Travel regularly to support assigned facilities in the region.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Environmental leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Engineering/Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Regulatory reporting systems

Job description

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As responsible corporate citizens, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as ever in our long history.

Purpose of the Role

Provide environmental leadership, guidance, and support to assigned facilities within the Metro Region to ensure compliance with corporate environmental standards, regulatory requirements, and environmental permits. Support facilities by implementing environmental controls, conducting assessments and testing, and driving environmental compliance and stewardship initiatives.

Reporting to the Environmental Permitting & Compliance Partner.

This position supports the North America Metals (Metro Region), potentially including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and the New England states. Site visits are required weekly. Hybrid schedule with travel, averaging 3-4 days per week.

Primary Focus

• Advance a culture of environmental stewardship by providing leadership, training, guidance, and hands-on support to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and company standards.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of environmental practices that address site-specific and regional requirements while supporting the company's commitment to responsible and sustainable operations.

Environmental Compliance & Permitting

• Support the Permitting & Compliance (P&C) team across assigned portions of the Metro Region, working closely with national P&C management, regional leadership, and environmental legal counsel.
• Lead environmental permitting activities, including permit applications, renewals, and modifications (excluding air quality permitting where applicable).
• Manage environmental compliance programs, including regulatory inspections, Notices of Violation (NOVs), corrective actions, and fire risk mitigation efforts.
• Support proactive regional environmental and regulatory initiatives in collaboration with facility and regional management.
• Review, develop, update, and implement site-level Environmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Support implementation of national environmental SOPs and company environmental programs.

Program Management

• Support and oversee environmental programs related to:
• Stormwater
• Air emissions and fugitive emissions
• Hazardous and non-hazardous waste
• Wastewater
• Inbound source control
• Support environmental remediation projects under the direction of environmental legal counsel.
• Maintain and support the Environmental Management System (EMS), including standards, permit requirements, training, communication, and compliance tools.
• Drive implementation and monitoring of environmental strategic plans aligned with state, corporate, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in developing, tracking, and improving environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Regulatory Compliance & Auditing

• Promote compliance with corporate environmental standards, legal requirements, permits, and regulatory obligations.
• Provide guidance and support to regional EHS teams in tracking, managing, and reporting environmental compliance activities.
• Support environmental assessments and audits while coordinating with environmental legal counsel, corporate environmental leadership, and audit personnel.
• Monitor changes in environmental regulations and industry standards and support implementation across business units.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for environmental regulatory inquiries and corrective actions.

Facility & Operational Support

• Collaborate with operations and EHS teams as a subject matter expert on environmental compliance and best practices.
• Support waste management activities, including waste characterization, profiling, storage, handling, shipment, and reporting.
• Oversee data entry and documentation of regulatory inspections within company EHS systems.
• Review regional and site operations to ensure compliance with permits, regulations, and SOP requirements.
• Address environmental concerns related to facility operations.
• Ensure all facilities maintain day-to-day environmental compliance and conduct regular site visits throughout the region.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with regional management and community relations teams to address environmental concerns and support community engagement initiatives.
• Maintain active involvement with industry, trade, and environmental organizations to stay informed of emerging regulations, technologies, and best practices.
• Collaborate with governmental agencies and regulators regarding state-specific environmental requirements and initiatives.

Reporting & Planning

• Lead the development, review, and revision of required environmental plans, including:
• Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans
• Hazardous Materials Business Plans
• Other required environmental management plans
• Assist with environmental data collection, reporting, testing, and monitoring activities.
• Maintain current knowledge and training regarding applicable environmental regulations and requirements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Actively participate in Environmental Leading Indicator Programs, including:

• Achievement of predetermined project milestones each fiscal year
• Completion of environmental inspections and assessments
• Environmental training delivery and completion for key personnel
• Maintaining assigned facility Levels of Care
• Support and advancement of the Environmental Management System (EMS)

Experience Required

• Minimum 5 years of environmental compliance or environmental management experience.
• Experience supporting industrial facilities and environmental compliance programs.
• Experience implementing environmental regulations and standards.
• Experience working with environmental regulatory agencies in the Northeastern United States.
• Experience managing programs involving:
• Stormwater
• Hazardous and non-hazardous waste
• Wastewater
• Aboveground petroleum storage tanks
• Experience with state regulations impacting recycling operations preferred.
• Experience in metal recycling or a related industrial sector preferred.
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management System experience preferred.
• Experience with environmental reporting systems and compliance tracking tools.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Sciences, or a related discipline, including:
• Environmental Engineering
• Ecology
• Geology
• Chemical Engineering
• Physics
• Professional certifications in environmental management, compliance, or related fields are preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with regulators, operations personnel, and leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience using state environmental agency reporting and compliance systems.
• Strong regulatory interpretation, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the Metro Region to support assigned facilities.

Physical Demands - USA Specific

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. It encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Find Out More…Please visit www.simsltd.com for more information on Sims and its commitment to sustainability.