Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist

The objective of the Environmental Specialist is to provide coordination in the implementation and maintenance of the Environmental Management System (EMS), and environmental compliance activities throughout all departments within the Mill. This is accomplished by working closely with the Environmental Manager and other department superintendents to coordinate all environmental matters, based on knowledge of environmental regulations, and counsel of the Environmental Manager.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Must keep up to date with environmental regulations and training, providing assistance to the Environmental Manager and other mill management to assure ongoing compliance with corporate policies, federal, state, and local environmental and radiation regulations and procedures. This includes maintaining Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) certification, appropriate license for distribution of potable water (class B surface water/ wastewater license is acceptable), Department of Transportation (DOT) certification for waste transportation, and annual hazardous waste and visible emission training certification.
• Collect samples and maintain data required for various water environmental permits, reports and recordkeeping as required. This includes but is not limited to process wastewater, storm water, groundwater, and potable water for chemical analysis as required by State and Federal environmental regulations. Storm water discharge samples must be collected immediately after heavy rain events, which require immediate response any time of day or night. Collect and record field parameters to comply with TCEQ, City of Beaumont, and Sabine River Authority permit/agreement requirements.
• Maintain environmental equipment and coordinate requirements with employees and service providers to meet company policy, State and Federal requirements. Also assist the Environmental Manager in coordinating plant service duties with other plant personnel and onsite contractors in environmental requirements.
• Coordinate and support the Radiation Control Program for all onsite operations. This includes monitoring, calibrating, testing and verification of records for all radiation sources and detection devices, maintaining detection equipment, and proper response to all radiation detection alarms per the procedures for handling radiation alarms and the possibility of a radioactive melt.
• Assure adherence to the Environmental Policy and to the Environmental Management System (EMS) for the most efficient and effective use of resources required for remediation activities and for short-term and long-term environmental compliance in line with company policy and under the general direction of the Environmental Manager.
• Assist with the implementation, maintenance, and training of federally regulated environmental prevention and release response requirements which include but not limited to hazardous waste contingency plan, emergency procedures, radiation protection plan, SPCC plan, visible emission readings and storm water pollution prevention plan. Inspect facilities to monitor compliance with regulations related to hazardous waste, storm water, and SPCC.
• Coordinate all shipments of waste disposal/recycling including hazardous waste by rail or truck to meet state and federal requirements. Prepare shipping papers including the manifest, bill of lading and appropriate labeling that is required to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Maintain documentation for plant waste manifest records. Collect waste, soil and spill samples as needed for offsite disposal/recycling. Physically assist with loading bulk and drum loads. Assist with monthly and annual waste reporting to meet company, state, and federal requirements.
• Assist the Environmental Manager with Air permits, regulations and company procedures related to air compliance. Inspect facilities and maintain documents and records to monitor air pollution compliance. Assist in conducting visible emission observations and emergency reporting to the proper regulatory authorities.
• Assist in the development of environmental annual action plans, environmental key performance indicators (KPI) and environmental capex projects that support the company vision, core values, business case, environmental policy, environmental management system (EMS) and environmental conformance rating (ECR). Ensure the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, assessment. compliance and KPI rating using improvement tools.
• Promote safety culture following environmental and safety procedures and corrects safety and environmental hazards.
• Assist with supporting the health and wellness of wildlife onsite. Respond to calls regarding removal of wildlife from active portions of the property and transporting them to safe areas.

Requirements

Minimum Basic Requirements for Skills, Experience and Credentials include:

• Basic understanding of environmental regulations and laws
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field
• Basic skills with MS excel, word, PowerPoint, outlook, willingness to learn new company software and hardware for environmental monitoring and reporting
• Adapt or comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable working with people in diverse levels of plant operation and government agencies
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and work outside all day in all forms of weather
• Self-starter, driven and able to work with limited direction with target deadlines
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills coupled with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Communicates clearly both verbally and in writing
• Ability to pass a drug, driving and background screening

Wages & Benefits Optimus Steel has a competitive benefit package. Medical/Prescription Dental, Vision, Health & Dependent Care FSA 401K, Company match Basic Life/Accident Insurance Employee Assistance Program