Environmental Program Manager

About the Opportunity

The Environmental Program Manager (EPM) reports to the Associate Director of Environmental Compliance and Occupational Safety (ECOS) and is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the universities environmental compliance program. The EPM is expected to provide environmental guidance to the university leaders, facilities personnel, and researchers, and have a competent understanding of the environmental impacts of university operations and practices. The EPM will evaluate the sustainability of university operations and develop programs that continually improve the university’s environmental record.

Manage Regulatory Compliance

• Track environmental compliance laws and regulations with local, state, and federal laws for air, water, and waste programs to help develop the organization’s policies, permits, plans and practices to meet compliance objectives.
• Serve as the point of contact for site inspections and communications with local, state, and federal regulators.
• Complete Environmental reporting and plan management with agencies such as the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA), Resource Conversation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Spill Prevention Countermeasures and Control (SPCC), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Tier II, Source Registration, Clean Air Act (CAA), and Greenhouse Gas Reporting (GHG).
• Respond to violations noted by inspecting agencies such as Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and MWRA.

Site Environmental Management

• Oversee all hazardous waste management programs for the university in accordance with RCRA regulations for Large Quantity Generators (LQG) of hazardous waste including: Central Accumulation Area (CAA) storage, weekly inspections, biennial reporting, hazardous waste training program, hazardous waste manifest tracking, waste profiles, contingency plan, universal waste, and Massachusetts specific hazardous waste requirements.
• Maintain the SPCC plan for the university, ensure inspections of oil storage areas are being conducted on a routine basis, manage inventory of oil-containing devices on campus, provide training to applicable employees exposed to oil containing devices, and act as primary contact for spill responses and enforcement of policies and procedures.
• Manage all pH Neutralization system wastewater treatment operations on campus in compliance with MWRA permits including applicable flow and pH reporting, responding to permit exceedances, and working with preventative maintenance contractors to maintain the systems.
• Perform routine analyses for combustion equipment to ensure air quality compliance, maintain combustion equipment and emissions inventories, maintain a comprehensive air permit compliance management system.

Internal and External Communication

• Assist operations and facilities departments in maintaining compliance with air quality, wastewater and storm water permits, solid and hazardous waste management, hazardous material management, spill prevention and response, above ground and underground storage tank management, transportation of hazardous materials, emergency response planning, and environmental compliance training for applicable employees.
• Provide environmental guidance to university leaders for new facilities projects, performing research and analysis to understand environmental effects of facilities operations, anticipating potential environmental problems, and providing recommendations, conducting site inspections for environmental safety compliance, and analyzing inspection data to determine the status of compliance.

Systems Creation and Implementation

• Create, implement, and direct the day-to-day activities associated with University Environmental Air, Water and Waste Programs.
• Coordinate and collaborate with university stakeholders to plan and develop sustainability programs and policies that align with university goals.
• Develop, maintain, and conduct gap analysis to identify environmental aspects and impacts, asses current performance, and develop plans to improve areas where gaps are identified.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required Bachelor of Science degree in one of the physical sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, engineering, applied health science, or other applicable degree.
• Experience and comfort with incorporating applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and best management practices into a facilities management setting.
• Experience working in an EH&S office or similar compliance capacity involving the development and implementation of environmental compliance programs.
• Ability and comfort in communicating with federal, state, and local environmental regulators.
• Ability to develop and implement compliance plans associated with air quality, water/wastewater discharges, stormwater permitting, other environmental programs associated with facilities management.
• Comfort and ability to lead and mentor personnel and manage complex technical programs and projects.
• Knowledge and experience in managing hazardous and regulated waste compliance programs.
• Experience preparing and shipping hazardous materials as required by applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Knowledge of environmental and hazardous material/waste principles as well as ability to understand and interpret complex written regulations and technical reports.
• Experience in managing Spill Prevention Countermeasures and Control Plans (SPCC).
• Experience in managing wastewater treatment permits, operations, and compliance reporting to state and federal agencies.
• Comfort and ability to run training programs to meet environmental compliance requirements.
• Excellent coordination, communication, and customer service skills to effectively negotiate and appropriately influence the safety behavior of teaching and research faculty, lab workers and other staff, and students engaged in high-risk activities. Excellent time and management skills.
• Ability to compile and present instructions as well as ability to clearly and concisely express ideas orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Experience with the operation of instrumentation required to monitor and assess chemical environments and exposure with experience in evaluating results.
• Proficient at standard computer software packages including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook) in performing work assignments.
• Work in a variety of physical environments where hazardous materials or equipment are in storage or use.
• Ability to obtain credentials such as HAZMAT certification within 1 year of employment.

Position Type

Legal and Regulatory Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .