Lead Environmental Planner - Utility Permitting & Compliance

NiSource Inc.; Michigan; On-site; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. seeks an experienced Environmental Coordinator III to lead environmental planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance for utility infrastructure projects in Michigan.

You will coordinate surveys, manage consultants, and serve as the primary NiSource representative with federal, state, and local agencies to drive approvals and mitigate risk. The role requires 7–9 years in environmental permitting or regulatory compliance, strong written communication, and the ability to travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent utility experience.
• 7-9 years of progressive environmental permitting or regulatory compliance experience.
• Experience obtaining environmental permits for major utility projects.
• Experience coordinating with USACE, USFWS, EPA, IDEM, Indiana DNR and local agencies.
• Strong written communication; permit applications and agency correspondence.
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act 401/404, NEPA, ESA, NHPA, MMBTA.
• Willingness to travel ~5% to support field activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental planning, permitting, compliance, and regulatory approvals for utility projects.
• Develop permitting strategies, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation plans.
• Coordinate environmental surveys, studies, and consultants for permitting.
• Represent NiSource with regulatory agencies for negotiations and proceedings.
• Support routing, siting, and design reviews by evaluating environmental constraints.
• Ensure permits and compliance programs are implemented throughout project lifecycle.
• Monitor regulations and provide guidance to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Develop environmental programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for regulatory requirements.
• Prepare regulatory summaries, technical reports, and agency comments.

Skills

Environmental permitting

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder communications

Project coordination

Budget management

Leadership in diverse teams

Travel

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or related field

Equivalent utility industry experience

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

GIS

SAP

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

NiSource Inc. seeks an experienced Environmental Coordinator III to lead environmental planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance for utility infrastructure projects in Michigan.

You will coordinate surveys, manage consultants, and serve as the primary NiSource representative with federal, state, and local agencies to drive approvals and mitigate risk. The role requires 7–9 years in environmental permitting or regulatory compliance, strong written communication, and the ability to travel