Project Environmental Lead

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Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

Bechtel Manufacturing and Technology (M&T) is an exciting and growing business that serves the increasing demand of EPC services for customers in the semiconductor (manufacturing facilities and supply chain); electric vehicle (batteries, charging infrastructure, and production); synthetic materials; and data center markets. M&T strives to exceed our customer objectives through utilizing our agility, innovative technologies, and world class talent. M&T will solve the industry’s toughest challenges, building both our company and the world for the future.

Bechtel has a strong commitment to protecting people and the environment as part of its mission, and is known for industry leadership in Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH).  ESH teams are comprised of three distinct disciplines that support our ESH Management System and processes at project sites and offices. These teams include environmental scientists, safety specialists, and industrial hygiene scientists, and medical and emergency response personnel. Collectively, they provide technical guidance and perform planning, risk assessment, inspections and monitoring, training, and data management.

Job Summary:

The Project Environmental Lead develops and implements the environmental part of an ESH program, handling both administrative and field tasks in line with industry standards and Bechtel requirements. The role applies biology, ecology, chemistry, social sciences, and related fields to manage a construction project's environmental aspects, reports to the Project ESH Manager, and may supervise environmental scientists.
Work requires physical ability for field inspections, including walking on construction sites in extreme heat or humidity, climbing ladders and scaffolding, working at heights or on uneven surfaces, and entering confined spaces. Must be able to wear assigned PPE (e.g., harness, life vest, gloves, etc.)..

Major Responsibilities:

• •    Supervise and lead the project environmental program, or major components of it, including both technical and administrative aspects, in alignment with Bechtel standards, the ESH Management System, contractual requirements, and applicable regulatory obligations.
  •    Supervise assigned environmental personnel and provide technical direction, mentoring, and oversight of work activities to ensure consistent, high-quality environmental performance across the project.
  •    Provide environmental technical support and leadership to the ESH team, Engineering, Construction, Commissioning and Startup, Operations, Legal, Contracts, Procurement, Project Management, and other stakeholders to ensure environmental requirements are effectively integrated into all phases of project execution.
  •    Ensure environmental requirements are incorporated into bid proposals, project execution plans, design criteria, construction and commissioning plans, schedules, and subcontract documents, and verify implementation through field oversight and reviews.
  •    Prepare and maintain Environmental Management Plans and associated program plans and training materials in compliance with Bechtel standards, the ESH Management System, contractual commitments, and regulatory requirements.
  •    Lead environmental due diligence activities, baseline studies, and early-phase environmental risk identification during project development, design, and execution to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential environmental impacts.
• •    Emphasize the use of risk assessment, data analysis, and Bechtel’s ESH Management System to monitor environmental performance, identify trends, implement corrective actions, and drive continual improvement.
  •    Prepare technical and regulatory reports, conduct environmental assessments and studies, research environmental issues, evaluate environmental data, and communicate performance trends and risks to project and senior leadership.
  •    Serve as the primary environmental interface with regulatory agencies, including supporting inspections, permit negotiations, enforcement responses, and ongoing agency communications on behalf of the project.
  •    Identify, oversee, and manage the preparation and submittal of environmental permit applications; review and negotiate permit conditions; track permit compliance and closeout; and guide implementation of project-specific mitigation measures.
  •    Oversee and evaluate the environmental performance of subcontractors and suppliers, including prequalification, onboarding, field oversight, audits, corrective actions, and performance trending.
  •    Conduct and support environmental inspections, monitoring, and sampling activities to assess compliance with environmental permits, laws and regulations, contractual commitments, and Bechtel requirements.
  •    Plan, conduct, and support internal and external environmental audits, including tracking audit findings, corrective actions, and verification of closure.
  •    Participate in ESH emergency preparedness planning and support the investigation, root cause analysis, and resolution of environmental incidents and nonconformances.
  •    Support waste management, pollution prevention, and sustainability objectives, including tracking and improving environmental performance metrics related to waste, resource use, and environmental impacts.

Education and Experience Requirements:

•    Requires a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) related to environmental sciences, field biology, or natural resources and 10-13 years of relevant experience, or 14-17 years of relevant work experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

•    Specialized technical skills, knowledge, and understanding within an applicable environmental discipline.
•    Ability to complete assignments involving an array of scientific, environmental, and social issues requiring independent judgment and experience in the application of environmental methods and plans.
•    Oversee and evaluate environmental performance of subcontractors and suppliers, including prequalification, onboarding, field oversight, corrective actions, and performance trending.
•    Strong working knowledge of construction-phase environmental controls (e.g., stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, waste handling, spill prevention).
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    Computer skills for preparing presentations, data management, and report preparation.
•    Prior work experience related to applicable environmental sciences, regulatory requirements, and impact assessment on construction projects.
•    Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying complex environmental regulations, permits, and consent conditions across multiple jurisdictions.
•    Ability to influence project leadership, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve environmental objectives in a fast-paced construction environment.
•    Adaptable and able to work outdoors in a field environment under various project site and weather conditions.
•    Ability to analyze environmental performance data, identify trends, and communicate insights to project and senior leadership.
•    Experience leading or supporting environmental incident investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective action development.
•    Ability to work full-time on site and support various work shifts, as needed.
•    Valid driver’s license.
 
Additional Qualifications:
•    Knowledge and experience with ISO 14001 Management System standards, and internal auditor certification for ISO 14001.
•    Broad technical knowledge, science skills, and technical writing abilities.
•    Knowledge and experience with environmental impact assessment and mitigation strategies.
 

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.