Environmental Technician

Job Purpose

The Environmental Technician/ HSE Specialist role exists to provide Environmental Sustainability and leadership at the site level, ensuring safe, compliant, and sustainable operations. The position supports the site HSE&S Manager and line management by embedding AkzoNobel and regulatory processes, policies, and culture into daily activities. It guides and influences leaders and employees to identify, manage, and reduce hazards associated with high-risk materials and operations. This role fulfills the need for consistent regulatory compliance, effective hazard control, and continuous improvement in HSE performance. Through strong advisory, field-based, and strategic contributions, the position supports alignment with corporate HSE strategy and drives progress toward higher HSE maturity across the site. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains environmental policies, processes, and compliance documentation; interprets federal, state, and local regulations to ensure adherence. 
• Assesses environmental risks, recommends mitigation strategies, and executes approved actions, including preparation of required regulatory documentation. 
• Leads or supports environmental project planning activities such as scheduling, cost estimation, impact assessments, and reporting. 
• Oversee all permitting requirements for an EPA large quantity generator site, including renewals, approvals, and variances, and maintain accurate permitting schedules aligned with project milestones. 
• Conducts environmental compliance audits and due diligence investigations; identifies training needs and provides guidance, mentorship, and training to others. 
• Monitors regulatory changes (e.g., TCEQ, NEPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, NHPA) and evaluates impacts on costs and compliance obligations. 
• Develops, recommends, and implements improvements in air, water, waste management, and remediation systems; cultivates relationships with regulatory agencies and prepares status reports and briefings for leadership and project stakeholders. 
• Track and manage waste disposal for the site. 
• Other Health and Safety duties as assigned.  

Level of Autonomy

Site level

1. Policy / strategy
   • Level I: Formulates guidelines and procedures and implements standards for functional discipline
2. Influencing skills
   • Level I: Is able to explain and convince internal and external parties about chosen solutions based on content-driven arguments ;is able to achieve high people engagement and teambuilding
3. HSE agenda
   • Level I: Signals non-compliance to the HSE agenda (1 - 2 years ahead)
   • Level II: Significantly contributes to one specific area of HSE agenda (2 years ahead)
4. HSE processes
   • Level I: Has basic knowledge of and executes and checks performance of HSE processes on site level within defined HSE framework
   • Level II: Has good knowledge of and signs off processes within own HSE discipline taking into account the relation with other disciplines on Site level within defined HSE framework

Job Requirements

• Experience: Prior experience in environmental science or compliance is preferred. Must have substantial hands-on experience reviewing regulatory requirements and assessing their applicability and impact in field operations.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong expertise in environmental regulatory compliance. Deep understanding of federal and state environmental regulations and processes, with experience in areas such as RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), CWA (Clean Water Act), CAA (Clean Air Act), TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act), and similar regulatory frameworks.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with personnel at all levels of the organization.
• Technology Skills: Proficient in using computerized systems and technology. Must demonstrate competency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Oracle Business Environment, and other software relevant to environmental compliance and field operations.