Environmental Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Environmental Specialist supports the company's power generation facilities by ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations (e.g., EPA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA). This role involves monitoring emissions, managing permits, conducting inspections, preparing reports, and implementing programs to minimize the environmental impact of power plant operations, including air quality, water use/discharge, hazardous waste, and spill prevention. The position plays a key role in promoting sustainable practices while supporting reliable power production.

Key Responsibilities

· Monitor and ensure compliance with environmental permits and regulations for power plant operations, including air emissions (e.g., Title V permits, NSPS, NESHAP), wastewater discharges (NPDES), hazardous waste management, and spill prevention/control (SPCC plans).

· Prepare, submit, and maintain environmental permit applications, renewals, modifications, and associated reports (e.g., annual emissions inventories, discharge monitoring reports, TRI reporting).

· Conduct routine site inspections, audits, and compliance assessments at power plants to identify potential issues and recommend corrective actions.

· Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data (e.g., stack emissions, water quality samples, groundwater monitoring) and prepare technical reports for regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.

· Develop and implement environmental programs, including air quality management, waste minimization, recycling initiatives, and pollution prevention strategies tailored to power generation activities (coal, gas, combined-cycle, or renewable facilities).

· Serve as a liaison with regulatory agencies (EPA, state DEQ/DEP, local authorities) during inspections, inquiries, and permitting processes.

· Support environmental aspects of plant modifications, new equipment installations, or expansions by conducting environmental reviews and impact assessments.

· Train plant personnel on environmental compliance procedures, best management practices, and emergency response (e.g., spill response drills).

· Track regulatory changes and advise management on potential impacts to operations and required actions.

· Assist in emergency response for environmental incidents (e.g., spills, releases) and participate in root cause investigations.

· Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and legal teams to integrate environmental considerations into daily plant activities.

Qualifications & Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field (Master's preferred for senior roles).

· 3–5+ years of relevant experience in environmental compliance, preferably in the power generation, utility, manufacturing, or heavy industrial sector.

· Strong knowledge of key regulations: Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA, EPCRA, and state-specific rules.

· Experience with air permitting (e.g., Title V, PSD), emissions monitoring/reporting, and environmental data management systems.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting and data analysis; familiarity with environmental software/tools is a plus.

· Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) for regulatory reporting, training, and stakeholder interactions.

· Ability to work independently in a field/plant environment, including occasional outdoor work and travel between plant sites.

· Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Certifications

· Certified Environmental Professional (or similar)

· 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification

· Relevant state-specific certifications (e.g., wastewater operator license if applicable)

Working Conditions

· Combination of office and field/plant work (may involve exposure to industrial environments, noise, and weather).

· Occasional overtime or on-call support for environmental incidents or regulatory deadlines.

· Commitment to safety and adherence to company and site-specific protocols.

DCO Energy (DCO) is a nationally recognized developer of sustainable and renewable energy facilities that enriches the communities it operates by partnering with contractors, businesses, and talent. DCO Energy applies robust and innovative design, construction, and operation methodologies resulting in sustainable and safe solutions for owners in different industry sectors.

Company Description

DCO Energy (DCO) is a nationally recognized developer of sustainable and renewable energy facilities that enriches the communities it operates by partnering with contractors, businesses, and talent. DCO Energy applies robust and innovative design, construction, and operation methodologies resulting in sustainable and safe solutions for owners in different industry sectors.