Primary Purpose

Applies specialized knowledge to lead functional projects and secure cost-effective compliance. Independently develops innovative approaches and engages regulators on technical matters.

Team & Role Context

The Environmental Science Senior II is a senior level role on a team of environmental professionals in the Environmental Services Department at SoCalGas. The team's primary role is to support Company infrastructure projects with environmental and regulatory permitting and entitlements, which may include CEQA and NEPA environmental review. Teamwork and cross functional collaboration are central to the team's approach, working closely with project managers, technical experts, stakeholder engagement leads, agency partners and the public. This team is involved with project feasibility studies, permit application preparation and submittal, agency coordination and public outreach, environmental review and construction compliance monitoring. Working independently with guidance only in the most complex situations, the Senior II leads the environmental evaluation and permitting activities of complex projects and possesses specialized knowledge of environmental science, including one or more environmental disciplines, such as land use planning, biology, archaeology, air quality or related fields.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the environmental lead and coordinate studies, review documents, and implement compliance measures & training. Identify / address environmental requirements including federal & state regulatory requirements, permit conditions, avoidance & mitigation measures related to infrastructure projects
• Provide technical leadership for environmental documents, which may include CEQA/NEPA, permit applications, and project deliverables.
• Coordinate and/or participate in field activities, including construction compliance monitoring and environmental inspections. Prepare permitting schedules, integrates with project plans, evaluates risks, and communicates with stakeholders and management.
• Executes programs to ensure regulatory obligations are met while optimizing costs and minimizing operational disruptions.
• Provides technical expertise in leveraging GIS data for spatial analysis and visualization, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.
• Monitors day-to-day environmental compliance programs including waste management, water pollution control, spill plans and response, emergency planning and release reporting, and other applicable environmental requirements.
• Reviews environmental record keeping and reporting including data review and analysis, report preparation, report filing, agency notification, permit application review and input to regulatory comments.
• Leads the development of environmental processes, procedures and environmental awareness training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Required: a 4 year degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Preferred: Degree, preferably in environmental studies/science, urban/environmental planning, biology, anthropology/archaeology, geography, engineering, or related field. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience

• Required: 8 years of related experience.
• Preferred: Experience with project scope analysis to determine applicable regulations and permits; development of permitting strategies; management and review of technical reports, permit applications, and environmental documents (e.g., CEQA, NEPA); and development of environmental schedules is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required: Ability to anticipate emerging environmental risks and trends.
• Required: Ability to balance scientific rigor with regulatory and business constraints.
• Required: Ability to operate autonomously on high-visibility scientific initiatives.
• Required: Knowledge of advanced environmental science methodologies and assessment frameworks.
• Required: Knowledge of cumulative impact analysis and risk evaluation techniques.
• Required: Skill in leading complex investigations, modeling efforts, or impact assessments.
• Required: Skill in synthesizing diverse datasets to support environmental decision-making.
• Preferred: Strong project management skills with the ability to review complex problems and propose innovative solutions. Experience managing requirements of complex projects including design requirements, schedule, budget, and differing stakeholder interests. Capable of coordinating with diverse groups of stakeholders. Familiarity with environmental regulations and review processes including CPUC regulations, CEQA, and NEPA. Expert on one or more environmental disciplines such as: urban/environmental plan
• Preferred: Strong leadership, strategic thinking, negotiation, tact and diplomacy skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to present to diverse audiences including project managers and Company management. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Capability to conduct regulatory and project-related research, and use all Microsoft Office suite programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Benefits

SoCalGas offers a comprehensive benefits program to help support employees both personally and professionally. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Competitive pay & Annual Bonus program
• Medical, dental, and vision packages (plus free Mental Health resources/sessions)
• 401K company match & Company provided Pension Plan
• Work/Life Balance including generous PTO
• Wellness Programs/Classes
• Tuition/Education Reimbursement
• Career Development Tools & Resources through SoCalGas University

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