Lead Environmental Inspector (Field Based)

ERM is hiring a Lead Environmental Inspector to oversee environmental compliance during the construction phase of a transmission project in northern Nevada and southern Idaho.

About the role

This is a full-time, limited-term role for a duration of 18 months, with the possibility of extension. The position requires working 60-72 hours per week in a physically demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, lead, and mentor ERM’s environmental monitor field teams, including biological environmental monitors and field archaeologists.
• Ensure environmental compliance for a specific spread of the transmission lines.
• Review daily reports for the assigned transmission line spread.
• Coordinate closely with the project’s Environmental Field Manager and escalate concerns or issues as needed.
• Prepare and conduct environmental training for construction personnel.
• Conduct field inspections, environmental monitoring of construction activities, and field survey work as directed.
• Verify that limits of authorized construction work areas and access roads are properly marked before clearing.
• Serve as a point of contact with agency officials, regulatory staff, landowners, contractors, clients, and other project members; conduct required agency notifications.
• Review and implement project documents; provide direction, support, and critical judgment on environmental compliance issues.
• Provide technical leadership, support, and direction to field staff, including coordinating daily schedules and conducting morning construction meetings.
• Critically assess environmental conditions in the field to evaluate potential impacts from construction.
• Evaluate potential issues and concerns ahead of construction activities.
• Oversee the proper implementation of mitigation measures.
• Conduct environmental sampling (e.g., hydrostatic test water, soil).
• Oversee and verify flagging and signage of waterbody and wetland boundaries, cultural and biological resource exclusion zones, refueling zones, or areas with special requirements.
• Inspect and document compliance with environmental requirements by preparing daily written inspection reports with photo documentation.
• Identify, document, and oversee corrective actions to bring activities back into compliance.
• Identify erosion/sediment control and soil stabilization needs.
• Participate in various construction meetings.
• Prepare documentation to support requests for variances from environmental permits.
• Evaluate restoration activities and conduct compaction testing as required.
• Comply with ERM’s rigorous safety program.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned or required.

Requirements

• BS or BA degree preferred, or equivalent environmental inspection/monitoring experience, or a minimum of 6 years of relevant construction experience.
• 10+ years of environmental inspection, monitoring, or permitting experience specific to linear and/or other energy infrastructure projects, with preference for western U.S. experience.
• Electric transmission experience required.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands experience required.
• Understanding of construction (e.g., pipelines, power lines, compressor/pumping stations, gas storage fields, wind farms, solar facilities, offshore facilities) gained through field experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient technical skills, including experience using Microsoft Office programs and digital cameras.
• Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies, map interpretation (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography), and Field Maps/Survey123 applications.
• Knowledge of environmental sampling methods.
• Ability to travel extensively and work 40 to 70+ hours per week in a physically demanding role.
• Physical fitness to walk/hike up to 10 hours per day on uneven, steep, or challenging terrain while carrying up to 10 pounds of equipment.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle for frequent travel to remote client locations.

Pay

Annual base pay range: $94,900–$108,884 ($45.62–$52.34/hour USD) for this limited-term, non-exempt position. Pay position within the range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business needs. Eligibility for bonus pay may apply.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Life and disability insurance.

Benefits eligibility is limited to regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed-term employees (including Flexforce) scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are eligible for a limited benefits package. Casual employees are not benefits-eligible.

Schedule

Full-time, 60–72 hours per week for an 18-month limited term, with the possibility of extension.