Environmental Compliance Specialist (Kern County)

About the Role

Pinnacle Recruitment Services is seeking an experienced Environmental Compliance Specialist to support our client's environmental compliance programs across multiple operational sites throughout California.

This is a contract-to-hire opportunity with the intention of transitioning the successful candidate into a long-term position with our client.

This position is specifically focused on environmental compliance rather than occupational safety . The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with environmental regulations, permitting, inspections, regulatory reporting, and compliance programs within an industrial, energy, construction, consulting, or similarly regulated environment.

The ability to work independently is especially important in this role. This individual will be responsible for managing assigned compliance activities, conducting field inspections, tracking deadlines, identifying potential issues, and following through on corrective actions with limited direct supervision. We are looking for a self-starter who is comfortable taking ownership of their responsibilities while effectively communicating and collaborating with operations and other internal teams.

The position combines field-based compliance work with administrative and regulatory responsibilities. Candidates located in Kern County are strongly preferred and should be comfortable traveling independently to various project and operational sites throughout California. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently conduct environmental compliance inspections and audits at operational and project sites.
• Review and interpret environmental permits, regulatory requirements, and associated compliance obligations.
• Support environmental programs related to air quality, hazardous materials, hazardous and universal waste, water quality, stormwater, and spill prevention.
• Proactively identify potential compliance concerns and assist with developing and implementing corrective actions.
• Take ownership of assigned compliance activities and ensure required tasks and deadlines are completed accurately and on time.
• Prepare and maintain environmental compliance reports, records, permits, plans, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with environmental permit applications, regulatory reports, and other required agency submissions.
• Track regulatory requirements, reporting deadlines, inspections, and other compliance obligations.
• Support hazardous materials inventories, waste management programs, and associated reporting requirements.
• Maintain organized environmental compliance records and regulatory files.
• Support environmental incident response, documentation, and reporting.
• Develop, review, and maintain environmental procedures and compliance programs.
• Provide environmental compliance guidance and training to field and operations personnel.
• Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, contractors, and regulatory representatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Recent professional experience in environmental compliance is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and take ownership of compliance responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting environmental permits and regulatory requirements.
• Experience conducting environmental compliance inspections or audits.
• Familiarity with environmental compliance programs such as CERS, CUPA, hazardous materials/waste management, SPCC, stormwater, air quality, and/or water quality compliance .
• Experience preparing environmental reports, regulatory documentation, permit applications, or compliance plans.
• Previous interaction with environmental regulatory agencies is highly preferred.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize potential compliance concerns and determine appropriate next steps.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple compliance requirements and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• QSP, HAZWOPER, or other environmental compliance certifications are a plus.

Travel & Field Requirements

Regular travel to project and operational sites throughout California will be required. Candidates located in Kern County are strongly preferred and must be comfortable traveling independently to various locations.

The position includes independent field work in outdoor and industrial environments and may involve varying terrain and weather conditions. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Position Details

This position will begin on a contract-to-hire basis , with the goal of transitioning the successful candidate into a long-term position with our client.