Vice President Environmental Compliance
About the role
Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Environmental, Safety and Health, the Vice President of Environmental Compliance is a senior-level position within the Environmental, Health & Safety department, with independent and significant decision-making authority related to department policy, strategy, governance, staffing, budget, and expenditures.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement comprehensive policies, strategies, and governance frameworks for environmental initiatives.
Establish unit goals aligned with the agency’s mission and strategic priorities.
Lead strategic environmental risk analysis to proactively identify and mitigate exposures across all agency operations.
Provide leadership in resource allocation, staffing, and budget planning to optimize unit performance.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to air quality, water quality, hazardous materials, and waste.
Oversee petroleum bulk storage and hazardous material handling to prevent contamination.
Champion sustainability initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of agency operations.
Develop and implement emergency response protocols for environmental incidents.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on crisis readiness, including hazardous material spills and natural disasters.
Conduct drills and training to strengthen response capabilities.
Direct the preparation and submission of mandatory compliance reports, including State Agency Environmental Audit (SAEA) reports.
Engage with regulatory agencies to address audit findings and maintain compliance.
Monitor regulatory changes and adjust internal practices accordingly.
Ensure contractor compliance with all applicable environmental standards and contractual obligations.
Set and enforce performance standards for vendors engaged in environmental work.
Lead the development and implementation of environmental training programs for staff and contractors.
Establish and track metrics for evaluating environmental program performance.
Represent the agency in meetings with elected officials, regulators, industry partners, and peer agencies.
Build relationships and share best practices to enhance agency-wide environmental performance.
Lead staff training initiatives to promote environmental and sustainability awareness and compliance.
Oversee performance monitoring, ensuring teams align with agency goals, safety standards, and operational excellence.
Identify high-potential employees within operational areas and develop strategies for their growth into leadership roles.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Safety Management, Occupational Safety and Health Management or Industrial Hygiene preferred.
Minimum of sixteen (16) years’ related experience in environmental, safety and health management or environmental engineering, preferably within a large, complex operational environment such as transportation, construction, or infrastructure.
Minimum of ten (10) years in management or supervisory role in a large, multi-faceted organization.
Significant experience in managing environmental compliance, incident management programs, and leading environmental-related investigations.
Expert knowledge of environmental regulations/standards such as RCRA, TSCA, water and air quality regulations.
Experience with environmental audits, regulatory reporting, and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local environmental, health and safety regulations.
Risk management skills with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental/safety risks across facilities.
Incident investigation and root cause analysis expertise.
Expertise in developing and implementing health and wellness programs for employees.
Proficiency in environmental compliance management systems (EMS), incident reporting systems, and compliance management tools.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and document management software.
Substantial experience leading and managing a unionized workforce and/or consultant/contractor/vendor staff.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong team building, listening, and prioritization skills.
High level of professional integrity, discretion, and public service orientation.
Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Focused on results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially when engaging with elected officials, regulatory agencies, or the public.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
Demonstrated ability to effectively operate in high-profile, high-pressure environments.
Skilled in managing competing priorities and navigating complex organizational dynamics.
Ability to be on call 24/7 and report to any of MTA Bridges & Tunnels seven bridges and two tunnel locations as needed.
Unrestricted driver's license in New York State.
Advanced degree in environmental engineering or a related field preferred.
Professional certifications such as Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) preferred.
Proven track record of leading regulatory compliance efforts and managing interactions with federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., NYSDEC, EPA).
Significant experience in program management for large government agencies or businesses with highly complex systems.
Proven track record of managing and leading environmental and sustainability programs across multiple sites or facilities.
Experience working in high-risk environments (e.g., construction, transportation, industrial operations), preferably within the transportation or public infrastructure sectors.
In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations, including Hazardous Waste, EPA regulations, and other relevant federal and state laws.
Strong understanding of emergency preparedness, crisis management, and response protocols.
Experience in developing training programs focused on environmental compliance and sustainability, including ongoing staff development.