khalil Ali’s Post

Recently, there were LinkedIn discussions about how to secure an entry-level job in environmental consulting. Some remained adamant that communication is key.  Well, yes and no...   While in the environmental or “consulting” business, communication is extremely important, it comes a distant second to TECHNICAL ACUMEN.  A smooth “slick” communicator who gets technical facts wrong, or the shy demure knowledgeable expert who doesn’t.  Take your pick.  We know both well.  All joking aside, the reality is that in this industry, and certainly in the water resources consulting industry, there exists the proverbial, “minders”, “grinders”, and “finders”.  Each “consultant”, from their inception, will gravitate towards one of these three categories. If they can’t (or won’t), their tenure in this industry is often short-lived. As the labels suggest, they equate to those who “mind” (e.g., administrators, managers, etc.) the business, those who “find” (e.g., business development and marketing) new business, and those who generate the bulk of the revenue that keeps the business afloat, these are the “grinders” (e.g., document writers, modelers, field crews, etc.).  This latter category represents the “heart” of any company; the bulk of the corporate pyramid, the frontline “grunts” (said affectionately...!). Traditionally, yet not surprisingly, these are also the folk that receive the lowest compensation, relative to their counterparts, the least recognition, and are typically worked to exhaustion (not unlike new Associate attorneys in large law firms). Over time, the top consultants today often act as a “consigliere” to their clients, much in the same vein as legal counsel. Each category involves (or requires) a certain level of effective communication, but prowess in verbal/oral/written public communication skill is NOT a prerequisite.  Scientists, hydrologic modelers, statisticians, and field experts are NOT always effective communicators …yet they can provide invaluable service. The one thing in consulting that is essential is technical training, any entry-level “consultant” MUST have a technical skill. 

Roles and responsibilities of an Environmental Coordinator: 1. Environmental Compliance and Audits: Ensure that all operations comply with environmental regulations through the coordination of audits, inspections, and site visits, while maintaining updated documentation. 2. Environmental Project Management: Assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining environmental project plans, focusing on pollution control, waste management, and conservation of natural resources. 3. Risk Mitigation and Improvement: Identify potential environmental risks, determine root causes, and develop mitigation strategies to reduce environmental impact, including contamination control and hazard reduction programs. 4. Training and Team Coordination: Provide training and support to team members, work with cross-functional groups to maintain environmental management systems, and ensure industrial operations adapt to changing regulations. 5. Documentation and Regulatory Compliance: Maintain clear, complete, and updated documentation on environmental policies and regulations, ensuring permit renewals and ongoing compliance with state and local requirements. #Environmental #EnvironmentalEngineer #EnvironmentalCoordinator

#hiring Environmental Permit Specialist III, Austin, United States, fulltime #jobs #jobseekers #careers #Austinjobs #Texasjobs #TradesServices Apply: https://lnkd.in/gyi94kvB Job Description Prepare, conduct, and document on-site audits of routine to moderately-complex approved pretreatment programs for compliance with TPDES permit requirements and state and federal statutes, rules, policies, and guidelines. Draft audit reports. Assist in preparing, conducting and documenting on-site audits of politically-sensitive pretreatment programs. Review and evaluate pretreatment program substantial and non-substantial modifications for compliance with TPDES permit requirements and state and federal statues, rules, policies, and guidelines. Conduct numerical analyses of local limits and incorporates the results into program modifications. Incorporate approved substantial modifications into TPDES permits. Prepare pretreatment sections of routine to moderately-complex TPDES permits. Evaluate pretreatment program annual reports; complete industrial waste surveys and TexTox reports; and make categorical determinations for industrial users. Participate in the resolution of contested permit applications, attend alternative dispute resolutions and public meetings, and prepare expert testimony for public hearings before an Administrative Law Judge or the Commission. Provide basic training to new or less experienced staff; respond to inquiries on assigned permits, audits, and modifications to approved pretreatment programs; communicate information to control authorities, industrial users, agency staff and the public.

#hiring Environmental Permit Specialist III, Austin, United States, fulltime #jobs #jobseekers #careers #Austinjobs #Texasjobs #TradesServices Apply: https://lnkd.in/gyi94kvB Job Description Prepare, conduct, and document on-site audits of routine to moderately-complex approved pretreatment programs for compliance with TPDES permit requirements and state and federal statutes, rules, policies, and guidelines. Draft audit reports. Assist in preparing, conducting and documenting on-site audits of politically-sensitive pretreatment programs. Review and evaluate pretreatment program substantial and non-substantial modifications for compliance with TPDES permit requirements and state and federal statues, rules, policies, and guidelines. Conduct numerical analyses of local limits and incorporates the results into program modifications. Incorporate approved substantial modifications into TPDES permits. Prepare pretreatment sections of routine to moderately-complex TPDES permits. Evaluate pretreatment program annual reports; complete industrial waste surveys and TexTox reports; and make categorical determinations for industrial users. Participate in the resolution of contested permit applications, attend alternative dispute resolutions and public meetings, and prepare expert testimony for public hearings before an Administrative Law Judge or the Commission. Provide basic training to new or less experienced staff; respond to inquiries on assigned permits, audits, and modifications to approved pretreatment programs; communicate information to control authorities, industrial users, agency staff and the public.

#hiring Environmental Permit Specialist III, Austin, United States, fulltime #jobs #jobseekers #careers #Austinjobs #Texasjobs #TradesServices Apply: https://lnkd.in/gyi94kvB Job Description Prepare, conduct, and document on-site audits of routine to moderately-complex approved pretreatment programs for compliance with TPDES permit requirements and state and federal statutes, rules, policies, and guidelines. Draft audit reports. Assist in preparing, conducting and documenting on-site audits of politically-sensitive pretreatment programs. Review and evaluate pretreatment program substantial and non-substantial modifications for compliance with TPDES permit requirements and state and federal statues, rules, policies, and guidelines. Conduct numerical analyses of local limits and incorporates the results into program modifications. Incorporate approved substantial modifications into TPDES permits. Prepare pretreatment sections of routine to moderately-complex TPDES permits. Evaluate pretreatment program annual reports; complete industrial waste surveys and TexTox reports; and make categorical determinations for industrial users. Participate in the resolution of contested permit applications, attend alternative dispute resolutions and public meetings, and prepare expert testimony for public hearings before an Administrative Law Judge or the Commission. Provide basic training to new or less experienced staff; respond to inquiries on assigned permits, audits, and modifications to approved pretreatment programs; communicate information to control authorities, industrial users, agency staff and the public.

#hiring Environmental Permit Specialist III, Austin, United States, fulltime #jobs #jobseekers #careers #Austinjobs #Texasjobs #TradesServices Apply: https://lnkd.in/gqBXjFHf Job Description Prepare, conduct, and document on-site audits of routine to moderately-complex approved pretreatment programs for compliance with TPDES permit requirements and state and federal statutes, rules, policies, and guidelines. Draft audit reports. Assist in preparing, conducting and documenting on-site audits of politically-sensitive pretreatment programs. Review and evaluate pretreatment program substantial and non-substantial modifications for compliance with TPDES permit requirements and state and federal statues, rules, policies, and guidelines. Conduct numerical analyses of local limits and incorporates the results into program modifications. Incorporate approved substantial modifications into TPDES permits. Prepare pretreatment sections of routine to moderately-complex TPDES permits. Evaluate pretreatment program annual reports; complete industrial waste surveys and TexTox reports; and make categorical determinations for industrial users. Participate in the resolution of contested permit applications, attend alternative dispute resolutions and public meetings, and prepare expert testimony for public hearings before an Administrative Law Judge or the Commission. Provide basic training to new or less experienced staff; respond to inquiries on assigned permits, audits, and modifications to approved pretreatment programs; communicate information to control authorities, industrial users, agency staff and the public.

The “we just want someone to manage approvals” statement from my last post is often paired with “we’re sick of paying for consultants”. Or in one case "I f***ing hate consultants." I have some bad news. If you’re a small mining or oil and gas company, and hire a team-of-one environmental manager, you’ll still need consultants. It probably won’t even reduce your consultant spend, at least not significantly. Almost all approval applications, bar the most simple administrative amendments, require a level of assessment of environmental values and impacts - ecology, groundwater, surface water and flooding, noise, air quality, etc. No single in-house environmental manager can do all this work - either technically or logistically. Despite what you hope, you’re not hiring an environment manager to do this work. You’re hiring an environmental manager to: - Increase efficiencies by taking the approvals project management workload off other company leaders, so they can focus on their core responsibilities - Bring the technical background and expertise to be able to speak the environmental assessment and approvals language with consultants, lawyers, regulators and other stakeholders - Scope environmental assessment studies, manage consultants and review technical reports - On top of this, provide all the other value that I mentioned in my last post This is where you might save some of the money that you’ve been spending on consultants. Having an experienced environmental professional to scope environmental assessment projects, more closely manage your consultants, and look after the relationship with your regulators and stakeholders might curb some of the spend if you’ve previously relied on a consultant to manage this aspect of your approvals work. But a single in-house enviro manager will never remove the need to use consultants.

When should developers hire an environmental consultant? This is a question I get asked all the time. The simple answer is: As soon as possible. Engaging an environmental consultant at the start of your project is essential if you want to avoid expensive surprises. Unexpected environmental requirements can lead to delays, costly permits, redesigns, or even halt your project entirely. Early environmental consulting can detect critical needs, safeguarding your timeline and budget. Ensure your project is prepared from day one. Wondering how an environmental consultant could save your project time and money? Ask your questions or share your thoughts in the comments! #propertydevelopment #ProjectDevelopment #ConstructionPlanning

Curious about the time frame for conducting a Preliminary Assessment? Typically, the entire process, including the issuance of a Remedial Action Outcome letter, is completed within 30 days after all necessary documentation has been received. This swift timeline allows for efficient compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring that your project or property can proceed without delay while maintaining safety and adherence to legal standards. Learn more at paulsakson.com.

🌍 Defining the Role of an Environmental Superintendent: Is This Position Necessary? 🛠️🌱 In today’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, effective environmental management is critical for project success. Enter the Environmental Superintendent — a senior role responsible for bridging strategic environmental goals and on-site execution. But is this position truly essential? 🔎 Who is an Environmental Superintendent? 🧠📑 An Environmental Superintendent oversees on-site environmental performance on complex or high-risk projects, ensuring compliance and sustainable practices are maintained across all phases. Key Responsibilities Include: ✅ Strategic Oversight: Aligning environmental goals with project objectives. 📊 ✅ Compliance Management: Enforcing Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). ⚖️ ✅ Leadership: Managing and guiding Environmental Officers. 👥 ✅ Incident Management: Addressing and mitigating environmental risks. 🚨 ✅ Stakeholder Engagement: Communicating with authorities and project managers. 🤝 Is This Role Necessary? The necessity of an Environmental Superintendent depends on project scale, complexity, and risk level. However, their value becomes clear in: ✅ Large-scale projects with high environmental risks. 🏗️ ✅ Industries with strict regulations like mining and energy. ⚠️ ✅ Projects requiring centralized oversight for multiple subcontractors. 📋 They ensure proactive compliance, reduce financial risks, and maintain operational efficiency. 📊 Environmental Superintendent vs. Environmental Site Officer (ESO) While an ESO focuses on day-to-day monitoring and compliance, the Superintendent provides: ✅ Strategic leadership 🧭 ✅ High-level coordination 🤝 ✅ Team oversight and accountability 👥 Simply put, Superintendents set the vision, and ESOs execute it. 🚀 When Should You Appoint an Environmental Superintendent? 🔹 On large, complex projects with significant environmental risks. 🔹 In industries with high regulatory scrutiny. 🔹 For projects requiring long-term oversight and coordination. Conclusion: Beyond Compliance An Environmental Superintendent isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes—they drive proactive environmental management, reduce risks, and ensure long-term sustainability goals are met. For large-scale projects, this role isn’t optional—it’s essential. Does your project have the leadership it needs for environmental success? 🌍 #EnvironmentalManagement #Sustainability #EnvironmentalCompliance #Leadership #ESG #ProjectManagement #EnvironmentalSuperintendent #SustainableDevelopment