EHS-Project Permitting Manager (Houston, TX) (Hybrid)

A strategic Project Permitting leader of a high-performing team that delivers timely, compliant, and cost-effective environmental authorizations supporting Kinder Morgan’s expansion and operations projects, specifically for Natural Gas Midstream, Products, Terminals, and CO2 assets. A trusted advisor that proactively integrates technical expertise, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder collaboration to streamline permitting processes and reduce project risks. A leader that fosters company values and continuous improvement while developing talent and strengthening stakeholder partnerships. To be filled in Houston, TX.

• Lead a team of Project Permitting professionals to support environmental permitting efforts for expansion and O&M projects from project planning through completion in an efficient and effective manner.
• Proactively oversee team efforts on feasibility studies, identification of environmental permit requirements, cost estimating, budgeting, desktop/field surveys, permit application preparation/submittals, regulatory reviews, internal project team reporting, agency communications/negotiations, and construction/post-construction compliance monitoring/reporting.
• Routinely report appropriate updates to project stakeholders including, but not limited to, Project Management, Business Development, Public Affairs, ROW, and Operations to develop, implement, and execute project schedules on time and budget.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with project stakeholder group leadership and routinely report appropriate updates.
• Manage coordination with other EHS Groups (responsible for air permits, SPCC Plans, waste management, etc.) and other departments (responsible for non-environmental permits/authorizations) to assure clear definition of responsibilities for the different types of required permits and provide input or review where necessary.
• Assist team to develop and implement compliance processes, procedures, and training to ensure that company facilities are constructed/operated/maintained in compliance with applicable environmental regulations and project permit conditions.
• Support team with monitoring environmental contractors performing environmental permitting support for the various expansion and O&M projects; QA/QC schedules, budgets, and other deliverables, such as survey reports, agency communications, and permit applications.
• Manage strategic goals for the team and facilitate tactical results.  Identify project permitting process improvements, enhancements, solutions, and responses to issues in support of expansion and O&M projects.
• Review reports from EHS compliance applications and tools; track tasks associated with team objectives.
• Administer team budget and maintain expenditures as part of the monthly budget forecasting process.  Provide input for annual budget planning and development tasks.
• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable company procedures, standards, and policies.  Support the company’s values and objectives.
• Promote the company’s EHS philosophy and culture.  Demonstrate a commitment to safety and the safe performance of the team members' responsibilities.
• Support and drive the continued professional development of the Project Permitting professionals and their teamwork.  Plan routine meetings with team members to review progress, monitor milestones, provide coaching, and address any work performance issues.  Complete mid-year and annual performance reviews.
• Routinely attend technical training, review leadership materials, and complete company training for personal professional development.  If subject to license, certification, or training requirements as stipulated by local, state, or federal agencies or the company, now or in the future, compliance is required under this job description.  
• Deal with a wide variety of people and personalities with tact, courtesy, and professionalism; must be a team player who is open to coaching others and being coached and has excellent follow through.
• Must have ability to successfully perform the required and expected duties with minimal direct supervision.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or related discipline from an accredited academic institution is required.  Advanced degree is preferred, but not required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS 

• Minimum of 10 years direct and active work experience with federal and state environmental permitting requirements applicable to wetland/waterbody, threatened & endangered species, and cultural resources permitting requirements within industry or consulting.
• Minimum of 3 years in a supervision/management role.
• Excellent knowledge of federal and state regulations applicable to project environmental permitting requirements, including, but not limited to, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), etc.
• Experience in successfully interacting with federal, state, or local agency officials related to environmental permitting authorizations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with team members, coworkers, consultants, regulatory agency personnel, and all levels of management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for providing presentations and reporting updates to team members, senior leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Must be customer-service oriented, and have well-developed organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and multi-tasking skills required for managing several projects and team initiatives simultaneously.  Ability to use analytical, technical, and strategic approaches for decision-making.
• Must be self-motivated, accountable, and take direction from leadership.  Must keep required work schedules, which include regular and predictable job attendance.
• Must be a team player who is able to work within a group, take direction from senior leadership, exhibit excellent follow-through, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to successfully lead people and processes to achieve expected and agreed upon results.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects, Outlook, etc.).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position has the opportunity to work a hybrid work schedule with Monday through Wednesday in the office and Thursday and Friday at home.
• Majority of the work will be conducted from an office environment.  Extended periods of sitting may be required for administrative activities.
• Extended work hours may be required in cases of emergencies and field activities.
• This position may be required to work alone; must schedule and monitor own work.
• Occasional travel may be required throughout the United States to perform job duties, such as for team meetings, site visits, and technical training.  Travel by car or plane will vary by specific needs and may include overnight stays for several days.  Travel typically will be less than 30%.
• Carry a company-provided cell phone and be available to respond during working hours; may be required to respond during non-working hours, especially related to project or team emergencies.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).  

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Project and associated environmental permitting experience for  Natural Gas Midstream, Products, Terminals, and/or CO2 assets is preferred.
• Working relationships with project stakeholders, specifically supporting Natural Gas Midstream, Products, Terminals, and CO2 assets, is preferred.
• General knowledge of applicable pipeline and terminal facilities operations is preferred.
• Although not required, professional certification is preferred.

The above statements describe the geneal nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate may be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, after an offer has been extended and prior to transfer. 

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.