Environmental Project Permitting Specialist

About the role

The Environmental Project Permitting Specialist leads and supports environmental permitting and regulatory compliance for maintenance, repair, integrity, and construction projects involving natural gas, refined-products, and CO₂ pipeline systems. This position works with internal project teams, construction personnel, consultants, and regulatory agencies to secure required approvals and support safe, timely, and environmentally responsible project execution. Key responsibilities include preparing permit applications and environmental documentation, coordinating agency consultations, conducting field evaluations, managing compliance obligations, and tracking project scope, cost, and schedule. The role supports projects such as anomaly repairs, pipe replacements, hydrostatic testing, facility installations, and new development and requires travel to project sites and stakeholder locations as needed. This position may be based in Birmingham, Alabama; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lakewood, Colorado; or Houston, Texas. Position level, job title and pay will be determined by candidates’ level of experience and skill.

Responsibilities

• Support environmental permitting activities for Kinder Morgan assets and projects.
• Coordinate permitting activities, including regulatory reviews, environmental field surveys, agency communications and negotiations, permit application submittals, and the development and implementation of mitigation measures.
• Coordinate required permitting activities with project managers, engineers, contractors, and other Kinder Morgan team members.
• Manage consultants performing permitting-related work and oversee the quality, schedule, and completion of assigned tasks.
• Solicit bids, prepare work-directive requests, track budgets, and review and manage consultant invoices.
• Assist project managers with planning, budgeting, and scheduling the permitting components of assigned projects.
• Provide environmental and regulatory guidance on permitting strategies and processes, identifying opportunities to reduce project costs, risks, and schedule delays.
• Support management with permitting initiatives, program improvements, and special projects.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable environmental permitting laws, regulations, agency guidance, and requirements.
• Ensure permitting activities are completed accurately, on schedule, and in compliance with applicable requirements and permit conditions.
• Coordinate with Operations Support, Project Management, Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Public Affairs, Land, and other internal groups; participate in engineering and regional field meetings; attend project site visits and bid walks as needed; and provide backup support for other permitting staff.
• Consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to personal safety and the safety of Company employees, assets, contractors, and the public.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or related discipline.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of experience in environmental permitting, consulting, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience applying and ensuring compliance with federal environmental laws and permitting requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Clean Water Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission processes.
• Experience with applicable state environmental review and permitting requirements, such as the California Environmental Quality Act and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act.
• Experience supporting environmental permitting projects across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
• A current, valid state-issued driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record, as determined by the Company.
• Must obtain and maintain any licenses, certifications, or training required by applicable local, state, or federal agencies or by the Company, now or in the future.

Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to accept direction, follow established work rules and procedures, maintain regular and predictable attendance, meet work-schedule requirements, and consistently attend to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Effective problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate issues and develop practical solutions.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment while maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor with coworkers, clients, vendors, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.

Physical Demands

• Must be physically capable of completing all training required by applicable local, state, or federal agencies and by Company policy.
• May be exposed to odors and fumes associated with refined petroleum products.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying and, at times, extreme weather conditions and traverse uneven or rugged terrain.

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with in-office work Monday through Wednesday and remote work Thursday and Friday.
• Extended work hours may be required during emergencies or field activities.
• Must be able to work independently, including in remote areas without direct supervision, exercise sound judgment when a supervisor is unavailable, and plan and monitor assigned work.
• Occasional travel throughout the United States may be required.
• Most work is performed in an office environment and may require extended periods of sitting while completing administrative tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience obtaining environmental permits for oil and gas infrastructure, petroleum-product pipelines, facilities, or terminals.
• Working knowledge of pipeline operations and related construction and maintenance activities.

Pay

USD $85,100.00 – USD $152,700.00 /Yr.