Junior Environmental Engineer

National Cement Company of California; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National Cement is seeking a field-oriented Junior Environmental Engineer to support environmental compliance at our Lebec cement manufacturing facility. This hands-on role focuses primarily on Hazardous Waste and Materials Management with a strong opportunity to develop air compliance knowledge.

The role involves regular plant walkthroughs, sample collection, inspections, and close coordination with operations and maintenance teams to track corrective actions and ensure regulatory conformity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 0–5 years of experience in environmental compliance or related technical roles.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in industrial environments.
• Basic understanding of environmental regulations (RCRA, air, water, or waste).

Responsibilities

• Conduct frequent plant inspections and field observations to identify environmental risks, non-conformances, and improvement opportunities.
• Serve as an onsite environmental presence to support operational teams with real-time feedback and corrective action tracking.
• Collect environmental samples (waste, water, materials, etc.) and coordinate laboratory analysis.
• Document field observations, corrective actions, and follow-ups.
• Assist in managing the facility’s hazardous waste program in accordance with RCRA and California regulations.
• Perform hazardous waste container inspections, labeling verification, and accumulation area audits.
• Maintain hazardous waste records, manifests, profiles, and disposal documentation.
• Support waste minimization and proper material handling practices.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams on waste shipments and compliance requirements.
• Support emissions monitoring programs and visible emissions observations.
• Assist with data collection, recordkeeping, and reporting related to air permits.
• Learn regulatory requirements associated with cement manufacturing air compliance over time.
• Participate in inspections, audits, and agency interactions as experience grows.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, logs, and compliance documentation.
• Identify trends or recurring issues and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Support internal environmental audits and regulatory inspections.
• Collaborate with Environmental, Operations, and Maintenance teams to improve environmental performance.

Skills

Outdoor work

Observational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Regulatory knowledge basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or related field

Job description

National Cement, a VICAT subsidiary, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, low carbon cement. We are committed to producing environmentally sustainable products while maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. We believe in fostering a culture of innovation, safety, and sustainability within our organization. Join us and be a part of a dynamic team that is contributing to the growth of the construction industry.

POSITION SUMMARY

National Cement is seeking a field-oriented Junior Environmental Engineer to support environmental compliance at our Lebec cement manufacturing facility. This role is ideal for an early-career environmental professional who enjoys being outdoors, working directly in an industrial setting, and serving as the “eyes and ears” onsite for environmental performance and corrective action needs.

The primary focus of this position is Hazardous Waste and Materials Management, with a strong opportunity and expectation to develop air compliance knowledge over time. This is a hands-on role requiring regular plant walkthroughs, sample collection, inspections, and close coordination with operations and maintenance teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Compliance & Monitoring

• Conduct frequent plant inspections and field observations to identify environmental risks, non-conformances, and improvement opportunities
• Serve as an onsite environmental presence to support operational teams with real-time feedback and corrective action tracking
• Collect environmental samples (waste, water, materials, etc.) and coordinate laboratory analysis
• Document field observations, corrective actions, and follow-ups

Hazardous Waste & Materials Management (Primary Focus)

• Assist in managing the facility’s hazardous waste program in accordance with RCRA and California regulations
• Perform hazardous waste container inspections, labeling verification, and accumulation area audits
• Maintain hazardous waste records, manifests, profiles, and disposal documentation
• Support waste minimization and proper material handling practices
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams on waste shipments and compliance requirements

Air Compliance (Developmental Focus)

• Support emissions monitoring programs and visible emissions observations
• Assist with data collection, recordkeeping, and reporting related to air permits
• Learn regulatory requirements associated with cement manufacturing air compliance over time
• Participate in inspections, audits, and agency interactions as experience grows
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, logs, and compliance documentation
• Identify trends or recurring issues and recommend practical corrective actions
• Support internal environmental audits and regulatory inspections
• Collaborate with Environmental, Operations, and Maintenance teams to improve environmental performance

GENERAL COLLABORATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Safety Department

• Coordination: Work closely with the Safety Department to ensure environmental policies align with safety protocols.
• Training: Collaborate on training programs that address both environmental and safety concerns.
• Incident Response: Coordinate with safety department on incidents that have both environmental and safety implications.

Production/Labor Department

• Process Optimization: Partner with Production/Labor to optimize processes for environmental efficiency.
• Resource Management: Ensure sustainable use of resources in production activities.
• Compliance: Monitor production activities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Maintenance Department

• Preventive Measures: Develop preventive maintenance schedules that minimize environmental impact.
• Waste Management: Collaborate on waste management strategies to reduce environmental footprint.
• Equipment Upgrades: Work together on upgrading equipment to more environmentally friendly options.

Electrical Department

• Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-saving initiatives and monitor electrical usage.
• Sustainable Practices: Promote the use of renewable energy sources and sustainable electrical practices.
• Compliance: Ensure electrical systems comply with environmental standards.

Garage Department

• Vehicle Emissions: Manage vehicle emissions and promote the use eco-friendly vehicles.
• Maintenance: Ensure regular maintenance of vehicles to minimize environmental impact.
• Training: Provide training on environmentally responsible vehicle operation and maintenance.

Quarry Department

• Land Management: Collaborate on sustainable land management practices in quarry operations.
• Rehabilitation: Develop and implement quarry rehabilitation plans to restore natural habitats.
• Compliance: Ensure quarry activities comply with environmental regulations and standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• 0–5 years of experience in environmental compliance, industrial operations, or a related technical role
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors and in industrial environments for extended periods
• Strong observational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Basic understanding or coursework in environmental regulations (RCRA, air, water, or waste)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Internship or prior experience in manufacturing, cement, mining, or heavy industry
• Exposure to hazardous waste management or compliance inspections
• Interest in developing long-term expertise in air quality and permitting
• Familiarity with California environmental regulations
• EIT certification (or intent to pursue) is a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Ability to walk long distances, climb stairs/ladders, and navigate industrial terrain
• Use of required PPE in plant environments
• Field-based role with significant time spent onsite rather than in an office setting
• May be required to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50lbs

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, and precipitation.
• Exposure to moderate to high noise levels typical of industrial environments.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).