Energy STEM OPT Jobs in North Carolina

Position Summary

The Regional Environmental Specialist supports day-to-day environmental compliance across an assigned portfolio of asphalt and petroleum plants and terminals within a defined region. This is a field-based, generalist role focused on boots-on-the-ground compliance work: conducting inspections, managing waste streams, responding to spills and incidents, coordinating sampling and monitoring, delivering training, and keeping site records audit-ready. The Specialist is the go-to environmental resource for plant personnel on routine compliance matters and works closely with the corporate environmental/EHS team, outside consultants, and regulatory agencies on more technical or specialized issues such as permit applications and complex reporting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the day-to-day environmental point of contact for multiple asphalt and petroleum plants and terminals within an assigned region, supporting plant management and operators on routine compliance questions.
• Conduct routine facility inspections and self-audits (tanks, containment areas, waste storage areas, stormwater outfalls, spill kits, etc.) and track any findings through to correction.
• Manage day-to-day hazardous and non-hazardous waste handling, including waste characterization, labeling, satellite/90-day accumulation area inspections, manifest completion, and coordination with disposal vendors.
• Support Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) programs by performing required inspections, maintaining spill response equipment, and helping keep site plans current.
• Respond to and help lead the initial response for spills, releases, and other environmental incidents; assist with cleanup coordination, notifications, and incident documentation.
• Collect environmental samples and monitoring data (stormwater, wastewater, groundwater, air, etc.) and coordinate with labs or contractors as needed; compile and organize data for required reports.
• Maintain site environmental recordkeeping and compliance calendars so inspections, training, and reporting deadlines are tracked and met at each assigned facility.
• Deliver hands-on environmental training to plant personnel - spill response, waste handling, stormwater awareness, and general environmental do's and don'ts.
• Assist the corporate environmental/EHS team and outside consultants with permit-related tasks (data gathering, site access, facility walk-throughs) without owning permit drafting or negotiations.
• Support inspections and site visits by EPA, state, and local regulatory agencies by coordinating logistics and providing requested site information; escalate technical or enforcement matters to corporate EHS.
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action follow-up, helping identify practical, on-the-ground fixes.
• Flag emerging compliance risks or regulatory changes observed in the field to corporate EHS leadership.
• Support environmental aspects of capital projects and process changes at the site level, such as pre-startup walk-downs and coordinating with site personnel.
• Perform other environmental compliance support duties as assigned across the region.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• 2+ years of environmental, EHS, or compliance-related experience in an industrial, manufacturing, refining, or asphalt/terminal environment preferred; entry-level candidates with strong field aptitude will be considered.
• General familiarity with environmental compliance topics such as waste management, spill prevention, and stormwater is helpful; deep permitting or regulatory-writing expertise is not required for this role.
• Comfortable working across multiple sites within a region and building relationships with plant-level personnel.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid driver's license required, with an acceptable driving record (frequent regional travel).
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Additional certifications (e.g., DOT hazmat, first aid/CPR) are a plus but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Practical, hands-on approach to environmental compliance - comfortable walking a plant, checking containment, and spotting issues in the field.
• Good judgment for knowing when to handle something directly versus when to loop in corporate EHS, legal, or a specialist consultant.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills for documenting inspections, writing incident reports, and training plant staff.
• Organized and dependable in tracking recurring tasks (inspections, training, waste pickups) across several sites at once.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); willingness to learn environmental tracking software/apps.
• Able to work independently in the field with minimal direct supervision while traveling across the region.
• Calm, methodical approach to responding to spills or incidents under pressure.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regularly required to walk plant and terminal grounds, climb stairs and ladders, and access elevated platforms, tank areas, and containment structures.
• Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, industrial noise, and typical asphalt plant/refinery environments; must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25–40 lbs (sample containers, spill response gear, documentation, PPE).
• Must be able to respond to spill/incident calls outside normal business hours as needed.
• Must be able to pass site-specific safety orientation and any required medical or respirator clearance.

Travel Requirements

Frequent regional travel is required, typically 40–60% of time, including occasional overnight travel, to assigned plant and terminal locations. Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license are required.

Other

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.