Specialist III / Sr., Environmental

Southern Company; Naperville, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicor Gas in Naperville, IL is seeking an experienced environmental professional to provide expert support for natural gas infrastructure. You will manage environmental permitting, conduct due diligence, train staff, and liaise with regulators and contractors to ensure compliance.

The role emphasizes independent initiative, field oversight, and data-driven stewardship across spill prevention, stormwater, and restoration activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in project management and environmental/natural resources permitting.
• Experience in environmental compliance and liability management.
• Experience with Endangered Species Act, floodplain regs, and Clean Water Act.
• Knowledge of stormwater best practices for construction.

Responsibilities

• Support environmental compliance with plans and policies.
• Manage environmental permitting for pipeline systems and remediation projects.
• Prepare and review SPCC and SWPPP plans.
• Coordinate with regulators, contractors, and internal customers.
• Maintain consultant contracts, POs, and invoices.

Skills

Project management

Environmental permitting

Regulatory compliance

Endangered Species Act knowledge

GIS

Education

BA/BS in physical or natural science/engineering

MS in related discipline (preferred)

Tools

GIS

SharePoint

Contract management systems

Job description

Job Location

1844 Ferry Road, Naperville, Illinois60563

Job Overview

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert environmental support for new and existing natural gas infrastructure including conducting due diligence evaluations, managing operations and construction environmental permitting, providing training, evaluating or interpreting regulations, plans, and procedures to ensure compliance, and interfacing with contractors, internal customers and environmental agencies. This position requires competency to consult necessary resources, work independently and ability to take initiative within a dynamic work environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the company's compliance with environmental plans, policies and requirements.
• Conducts or manages environmental permitting/consultation/authorization activities related to natural gas pipeline systems, including underground natural gas storage and related ancillary facilities.
• Manages environmental permitting of remediation projects from initial development and planning, through permitting and construction to restoration or final closure of the site.
• Supports environmental aspects of company operations through compliance, reporting, field inspection/monitoring and stewardship/sustainability/social goals.
• Performs comprehensive environmental due diligence or desktop reviews during planning of construction projects or other ground-disturbing activities.
• Provides the necessary support to the Environmental Affairs team to resolve environmental matters.
• Interacts with Federal, State, and Local regulators on behalf of the company.
• Performs training to internal and external customers.
• Drafting or maintaining plans, such as Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
• Manages stormwater drainage issues and oversight of environmental compliance requirements for vegetation maintenance activities.
• Conducts field surveys and site visits as needed, including to conduct compliance reviews and meetings with construction and inspection personnel.
• Monitors and analyzes environmental policies and regulations that affect the company and its customers.
• Assists with environmental compliance audits.
• Provides supply chain or controls duties, including maintaining current consultant contracts, purchase orders, and invoices.

Education / Degree Qualifications

Required:

• BA/BS in physical or natural science, including Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, Engineering (Environmental, Civil, or similar) or other related discipline

Preferred:

• MS in physical or natural science, including Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry, Engineering (Environmental, Civil, or similar) or other related discipline

Work Experience & Skills

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management and environmental/natural resources permitting, compliance, environmental liability management. (Specialist III)
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management and environmental/natural resources permitting, compliance, environmental liability management. (Sr. Specialist)
• Experience in environmental natural resources permitting and compliance activities, especially the Endangered Species Act,floodplain/floodway regulations, and Clean Water Act (incl. stormwater, waters of the U.S. , NPDES and water quality certification)
• Working knowledge of stormwater best management practices for construction activities.
• Ability to read and understand standard pipeline construction design and stormwater plans.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with an ability to adapt to a changing and fast-paced team environment.
• Computer skills, including the use of GIS systems, SharePoint and other databases.

Preferred

• Permitting and environmental compliance for linear utility construction activities.
• Experience with state and local permitting and compliance activities for pipeline or utility company.
• Experience independently managing large or complex projects with significant environmental implications, such as the impacts or risks associated with different construction methods or techniques.
• Experience managing environmental inspector(s) during construction or restoration activities.
• Experience or understanding of wetland and waterbody delineation principles.
• Stormwater management or erosion and sediment control training or certification
• Experience preparing SWPPP or SPCC plans.
• Participation in industry associations or professional organizations.
• Working knowledge of environmental best practices across the energy or environmental industry.
• Experience and/or familiarity with site remediation and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA),

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Travel requirements: This position may require travel within the Nicor service area in northern Illinois on an occasional to regular (5-20% travel) basis. Most travel does not require an overnight stay but some trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights an estimated two to three times per year.
• On-call duties: This position will require the ability to respond to urgent environmental issues when contacted during traditional and non-traditional work hours, as issues arise.On-call duties are estimated as 20% year.
• Physical demands: This position frequently requires prolonged standing or walking, ability to lift minimum 20 pounds
• Work environment: This position will be located in an office environment and may be exposed to varying outdoor weather conditions when working with field operations, conducting facility inspections, facilitating assessments, etc.

Disclaimer

This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 21688

Job Category: Environmental & Forestry

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Nicor Gas

Pay Range: $77,258.00 - $139,620.80 USD Annually: Base salary varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, and at the time of this posting, this is the reasonable salary range for this role.