Environmental Manager

About Us

Sterling Steel Company produces over 500,000 tons of wire rod annually. Our largest customer, Leggett & Platt, uses this rod for products like bed springs, which they invented. After acquiring Northwestern Steel & Wire in 2002, Leggett & Platt became our owner. Our mission is to be the safest and lowest-cost provider of quality steel, committed to meeting customer requirements and continuous quality improvement. This requires teamwork, dedication, and ongoing training from our 275+ employees.

Leggett & Platt’s mission is to enhance lives by delivering quality products, offering rewarding careers, and contributing to a better future. With over 130 years of inventive heritage, we are a leading supplier of components for bedding, aerospace, flooring, and more. Our global footprint and product development capabilities make us a trusted partner across multiple industries.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit environmental permit applications/renewals, including Construction/Operation Air Permits, NPDES Permits, and IEMA Radiation Permits.
• Oversee activities related to the Sanitary Wastewater Treatment Plant, Non-Transient Non-Community Potable Water Supply, and on-site Water Treatment.
• Manage ongoing environmental compliance records and reporting, such as Clean Air Act Permit conditions, annual hazardous waste reporting, air emission reports, Greenhouse Gas, CEDRI, EPCRA Tier2, NPDES DMR, Toxic Release Inventory, and Radioactive Materials.
• Coordinate transport and disposal for manifested hazardous and special waste shipments (~2,500 trucks/year across seven waste streams).
• Implement facility plans required by regulations and permits, including SPCC plans, SWPP Plans, and Contingency Plans.
• Compile and submit all required governmental and corporate reports.
• Lead environmental audits and inspections conducted by governing agencies.
• Review and recommend improvements to existing environmental strategies.
• Investigate environmental incidents and develop action plans as necessary.
• Oversee and advise environmental consultants in specific areas of necessity.
• Participate in discussions on renewable/alternative energies and sustainability.
• Attend Steel Manufacturing Association Environmental Committee and Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group meetings.
• Provide annual HAZWOPER or RCRA safety training for personnel.
• Participate in weekly Management Staff meetings.
• Supervise the Environmental Supervisor.
• Adhere to all company policies, work rules, and safety regulations.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of related experience preferred.
• Effectively read, write, understand, and communicate in English.
• Willing and able to learn, retain, and apply new information.
• HAZWOPER Certification, Potable Water Supply Operator, Class D/K Wastewater Operator, or Radiation Safety knowledge is helpful; training will be offered if needed.
• Familiarity with environmental concepts related to spill prevention, water pollution control, air pollution emissions, waste generation, and hazardous material handling.
• Effective project management and delegation skills.
• Ability to review and apply environmental regulations (local, state, and federal).
• Experience reviewing engineering plans and contract specifications is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Dexterity to operate office machinery and necessary tools/testing devices.
• Ability to sit for long periods at a desk/computer.
• Willing and able to safely enter production areas, including working in extreme temperatures while wearing required PPE.
• Mobility to move to various areas (Admin Office, Rod Mill, and/or Melt Shop).
• Strength and stamina to walk long distances and remain standing for a full shift.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs safely.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Above-average computer skills.

Tools/Machines/Equipment Used

• Computer
• Phone
• Project-specific gathering/testing/measuring devices