Environmental Compliance Specialist III

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

Position Summary:

BWL operations are subject to various environmental regulations pertaining to air quality, drinking water, industrial wastewater and stormwater, and chemical and waste compliance. This position is responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance across environmental programs, with primary ownership of assigned program areas and secondary support responsibilities for others. Core focus areas include industrial wastewater permitting and compliance, as well as chemical and waste management programs, including proper storage, handling, transport, and disposal practices. 

Specific program ownership (wastewater/stormwater vs. waste/chemical management) will be assigned based on team structure; however, all team members are expected to maintain cross-functional proficiency and provide backup support.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures and programs designed to minimize deficiencies and ensure compliance with existing Federal, State, and local environmental regulations, permits, and requirements.

• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise technical reports based on the interpretation of data, field observations, and applicable regulations.

• Perform calculations and analyze data in support of applicable environmental permits, compliance evaluations, and related projects.

• Coordinate regulatory inspections, agency interactions, and internal stakeholders and support timely resolution of findings and enforcement actions.

• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal departments, management, regulatory agencies and community or environmental groups.

• Solicit, evaluate, and recommend bids from vendors, contractors and consultants based on specification compliance, delivery, cost and other applicable information or criteria.

• Maintain and apply in-depth knowledge of environmental regulations by reviewing and interpreting applicable statutes, regulations, licenses, and permits, and leading compliance activities.

• Provide training to operations staff regarding environmental permits, plans and regulatory responsibilities. Must be able to occasionally deliver training to shift workers outside of normal business hours.

• Serve as a project manager or subject matter expert on projects of moderate to high complexity, cost, or operational impact.

• Required to follow BWL Safety Manual and wear required personal protective equipment.

• Attends all training for safety awareness as required by supervisor, BWL or governmental agency, which may include HAZWOPER and annual RCRA/DOT training. Travel to offsite conferences or trainings may be required.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Industrial Wastewater, Stormwater & Wetlands (Primary)

• Prepare, review, and update environmental permits, including NPDES and industrial discharge permits, as well as stormwater, wetland and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control permits.

• Develop, maintain, and update associated plans and programs, including SPCC, PIPP, and SWPPP.

• Manage compliance with NPDES, Industrial Pretreatment Program, and stormwater permit requirements, ensuring adherence to all regulatory conditions and deadlines.

• Oversee sampling, monitoring, and reporting activities; review data to verify compliance and identify trends or potential issues.

• Conduct inspections and compliance audits of industrial wastewater and stormwater systems; identify potential or actual non-compliance through onsite inspections and review of engineering studies, operational data, maintenance records, and testing results; document inspection findings and provide recommendations for corrective actions as needed.

• Support wetland permitting and compliance activities as applicable.

Waste & Chemical Management (Secondary)

• Manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste programs, including waste identification, characterization, inventory, and tracking.

• Ensure proper storage, labeling, handling, transport, and disposal of waste in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Develop, maintain, and update hazardous waste contingency plans and related documentation as applicable.

• Coordinate waste shipments, manifests, and vendor/contractor activities and ensure proper documentation and regulatory compliance.

• Prepare, review, and submit required regulatory reports, including biennial reports and waste summaries, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Conduct inspections and compliance audits of waste storage and accumulation areas; identify potential or actual non-compliance; document inspection findings and provide recommendations for corrective actions as needed.

• Maintain compliance with applicable chemical management regulations and support related reporting, recordkeeping, and program implementation.

• Support emergency response activities for environmental releases, including advising on response actions, coordinating contractors, completing regulatory notifications, arranging waste disposal, and maintaining incident documentation.

Job Specifications:

Required:

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in chemistry, biological sciences, environmental science or relevant related field and a minimum of five years relevant professional experience is required.

• Advanced knowledge of environmental regulatory frameworks, practices, and procedures across multiple program areas, and the ability to evaluate and manage their operational and compliance impacts.

• Basic knowledge of core operating processes.

• Basic working knowledge of commercial office computer software.

• Makes decisions independently on environmental problems and control methods.

• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities, rapidly adjust to emergent issues, and consistently meet regulatory deadlines.

• Must have valid MI driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day.  The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office environment including the use of stairs. Constantly operates a computer, and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead.  The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments, and uneven terrain. Occasional on-call and after-hours work may be required to address environmental emergencies or organizational priorities. May be required to recognize small numbers, letters, symbols, colors on prints, and/or operate field instruments/equipment. 

Works in temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee.  Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.

Why Should You Apply?

Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's  Home Purchase Plan – Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year. Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more! About BWL:The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.The Location:Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER