General InformationJob IDATR69015
Posting Job TitleEnvironmental Engineer
LocationsVA Covington
Employment TypeFull Time
Date Posted05-Nov-2026
Relocation SupportYes
Description & RequirementsPosition: Environmental Engineer
Job Code: ENEVP1 + Eng I, Environmental Eng
Location: Covington, VA
The Opportunity:The Environmental Engineer is responsible for compliance activities associated with the various environmental laws, regulations, and policies applicable to a large, fully integrated Kraft pulp and paper mill, and for helping to ensure that mill personnel understand the requirements. The focus will be on the water regulatory program.
How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:The Environmental Engineer will perform the following work functions:
- For the following compliance programs, the EE must fully understand the regulatory requirements, ensure that required elements are included in standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies, that a written program is maintained and revised as conditions or regulations change, that applicable personnel are trained in the procedures for the program, that reports are accurate and submitted on time, and that required documentation is organized and readily accessible.
- Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES).
- Virginia Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (VELAP) or similar programs
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
- Aboveground Storage Tank Regulations/Compliance
- EPCRA/CERCLA reports. Tier II, Form R, continuous release of reportable quantities
- Water Withdrawal Reporting
- Assist in the development of permit applications for projects for submission to required regulatory agencies
- Assist with special projects and provide support to operational departments and engineering
- Maintain strong relationships with other departments to communicate environmental needs and expectations.
- Drive efforts to meet mill water sustainability goals in support of company goals
- Support environmental lab technicians with periodic process analyses such as kappa, black liquor solids contents, green liquor TA, etc., bacterial testing, HPLC testing.
- Support site sustainability efforts and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Weekend and holiday duty. Report approximately every fourth week on weekends and holidays. While on call duty, attend morning meetings, check for permit deviations or releases, and respond accordingly. Report to the mill as soon as possible, at any time of day or night, to address emergencies.
What you need to succeed:- Bachelor's degree in civil, chemical, mechanical, environmental engineering, or environmental science.
- At least two years' experience in industry and with environmental compliance, preferably in pulp and paper. Wastewater treatment plant experience a plus.
- Experience in a lab and understanding of lab procedures and sampling best practices is required.
- Experience with lab certification practices (preferred)
- Experience in compliance with water permitting, permit development and implementation
- Proficient computer skills (including MS Office, most importantly Excel and Microsoft Word & PI Process Book
- Willing and able to walk and work in an industrial location indoors or outdoors, including walking up and down steps and ladders with all safety equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, steel-toed shoes, etc.)
Required Competencies
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Excellent planning, organizational, time management and prioritization skills.
- Ability to analyze process and environmental data trends
- Safety mindset.
- Program development.
What we offer: - Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
- Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
- An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
- Benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!
- A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.
The salary range for this position is $62,250.00 - $103,750.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 31-Dec-2026.