Environmental Compliance Representative

About the Organization

Brookhaven National Laboratory’s (BNL) Environmental Protection Division (EPD) ensures the Laboratory operates effectively while meeting regulatory requirements of numerous environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Department of Energy monitoring and reporting requirements. The division interfaces with a broad spectrum of workers across the Lab to support compliant operations, collect and review environmental data, and report to DOE and regulatory agencies. EPD prepares the annual Environmental Monitoring Plan, Site Environmental Report, Consumer Confidence Report, and supports the development and execution of the Lab’s Site Sustainability Plan (SSP).

Brookhaven National Laboratory is a multipurpose research institution funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Located on Long Island, New York, the Lab brings world-class facilities and expertise to address critical questions in basic and applied science—from the birth of the universe to sustainable energy technology. The Laboratory employs nearly 3,000 scientists, engineers, and support staff and hosts over 8,000 visiting researchers annually. With a history spanning back to 1947, including seven Nobel Prizes, Brookhaven continues to advance scientific discovery across disciplines.

About the Role

The Environmental Protection Division has an opening for an Environmental Compliance Representative (ECR)/Staff Engineer. This position may be filled at either the P5 or P7 level, with placement based on the candidate's education, experience, technical expertise, demonstrated competencies, and ability to independently perform the role’s responsibilities.

Working under the direction of the Environmental Compliance Group Manager, the successful candidate will serve as the primary environmental representative for assigned Laboratory organizations. The ECR acts as a trusted environmental advisor, partnering with scientific, engineering, operations, maintenance, and construction teams to integrate environmental requirements into planning and work execution. The role supports Brookhaven National Laboratory’s research and operational missions through practical compliance solutions, environmental stewardship, and continual improvement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary environmental liaison between assigned organizations and the Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
• Provide technical guidance and environmental compliance support in accordance with applicable federal, state, local, DOE, and Laboratory requirements.
• Review laboratory activities, engineering designs, maintenance operations, construction projects, facility modifications, and operational changes to identify environmental requirements and establish appropriate controls.
• Coordinate with EPD Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to address waste management, air emissions, water quality, petroleum and chemical storage, spill prevention, permitting (Article 12 & 18, Title V, Stormwater), pollution prevention, and natural and cultural resource issues.
• Collect, evaluate, and communicate environmental information to support regulatory reporting, permitting, investigations, corrective actions, and operational decision-making.
• Interpret environmental requirements and communicate practical compliance solutions to Laboratory personnel.
• Conduct field inspections, compliance assessments, work observations, and design reviews to verify implementation of environmental controls and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Promote pollution prevention, waste minimization, resource conservation, and implementation of the Laboratory's Environmental Management System (EMS).
• Respond to environmental incidents, participate in investigations, and serve on the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Environmental Protection Division’s Spill Response Team, with opportunities to support the Laboratory’s Emergency Response Teams.
• Collaborate with EPD SMEs, Waste Management Representatives, ESHRs, Radiation Protection personnel, Facilities and Operations (Utilities Engineering, Facility Operations, Modernization Project Office, Guest Services), and Work Planning Managers to ensure consistent environmental support.
• Participate in internal and external assessments, regulatory inspections, and audits to support continual improvement of Laboratory environmental programs.
• Demonstrate commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental compliance, environmental engineering, or a related technical field.
• Working knowledge of EPA (RCRA) and NYSDEC hazardous waste regulations and experience with one or more environmental compliance programs (e.g., CAA, CWA, NEPA, TSCA, or FIFRA).
• Ability to identify environmental compliance issues, evaluate potential impacts, and recommend practical solutions before work begins.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with managers, scientists, engineers, architects, craft personnel (union), contractors, and regulatory representatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate technical information and manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to stand or walk for long periods, lift up to 30 pounds, and use a ladder.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental compliance, environmental engineering, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated ability to independently support scientific, engineering, operations, maintenance, and construction organizations on environmental compliance matters.
• Broad working knowledge of multiple environmental compliance programs applicable to research, industrial, or government facilities.
• Experience coordinating environmental reviews involving multiple subject areas while effectively managing customer expectations and follow-up actions.
• Experience conducting inspections, assessments, incident investigations, and work planning reviews.
• Demonstrated ability to develop productive customer relationships and mentor less experienced staff.
• Experience preparing technical reports, regulatory documentation, and compliance correspondence.
• Professional certification such as CHMM, PE, or another relevant environmental credential is desirable.

Other Information

This is a fully onsite position located at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY.

Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel, including visitors, to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access the site. This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act. Those without a REAL-ID compliant document will not be permitted access, including for interviews.

As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems.

Pay

This is a multi-level role with a salary range of $118,000 - $130,000 per year. Placement and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience, and considered with the internal peer group.

Benefits

Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a comprehensive employee benefits program as part of the compensation package. More information can be found at BNL | Benefits Program.