Environmental Engineer

Reports to HSE Manager with consultative direction from the Environmental Center of Excellence as needed. Plans, directs, and manages the environmental programs for sites within an established region or business group. This position provides technical support to site and business leaders to facilitate decisions to ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and to develop corrective actions to mitigate risks regarding environmental matters. Position could be called upon to provide technical support for manufacturing sites and participate in or lead environmental specific projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fully support Company’s core values and goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence including reviewing area of responsibility for improvement opportunities.
• Use expert knowledge to drive the development and implementation of the environmental policies, standards, and operating guidelines.
• Serve as regulatory expert to support and provide tools to the facilities to ensure activities are aligned with all applicable environmental laws and regulations specific to the locations in which Westlake operates.
• Must keep fully informed on all existing and proposed changes in applicable regulations, best management practices, and permit requirements.
• Coordinate resources required to implement environmental requirements, programs, or processes including managing consultants.
• Perform air/water/waste calculations and file regulatory reports as necessary.
• Evaluate performances of program activities and provide summary report to Environmental Manager.
• Participate in a technical advisory role during incident investigations.
• Ensure regulatory training and training record retention systems are in place.
• Maintain a working relationship with all appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and recommendations to site management teams.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance in interpreting and monitoring compliance with regulatory and industry requirements regarding preventive and remedial programs.
• Contribute to the internal HSE audit program as auditor and/or as advisor for corrective actions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering discipline with 5+ years’ experience in an environmental capacity within the manufacturing industry. Demonstrate functional/technical expertise and experience in other environmental competencies such as air and water regulatory compliance, waste management, including associated permitting.
• Demonstrate ability to perform emission calculations required in environmental compliance.
• Effective communication and presentation skills required. Ability to break down complex regulatory requirements and train site employees at different levels to maintain compliance.
• Ability to foresee and anticipate problems and make appropriate adjustments.
• Ability to read and interpret complex regulations and to work with the site to ensure compliance. Environmental regulatory knowledge in air, water & solid/hazardous waste.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, achieving results on time and ability to influence/negotiate with others at various levels of the organization and with regulatory agencies.
• Ability to work effectively with operations, technical and maintenance personnel and to positively interact with other environmental professionals and the business to maximize results.
• Ability to take initiative, self-manage, identify what is needed and take effective action to bring about change and lead/implement change while maintaining Westlake’s core values.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel, including air or auto travel will be required (50-60%).