Environmental Monitor (Field Based)

ERM is hiring an Environmental Monitor to oversee environmental compliance during the construction phase of our client’s transmission and distribution project in Central Minnesota (Sherburne, Stearns, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Renville, Redwood, and Lyon counties). This is a full-time (40+ hours per week) limited-term role for a duration of 24 months, with the possibility of extension beginning in late March 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducting field inspections, conducting environmental inspection of construction activities, and field survey work as directed.
• Review environmental permit conditions with construction company’s and provide ongoing feedback to help them ensure construction activities do not violate permit conditions.
• Interacting with and serving as a point of contact with agency officials, regulatory agency staff, landowners, contractors, clients and other project members and conducting required agency notifications.
• Reviewing and implementing project documents and providing direction, support, and critical judgment on environmental compliance issues.
• Providing technical leadership, support, and direction to field staff.  This includes the coordination with Construction Environmental Inspector and Resource Monitor and attending morning construction meetings.
• Critically assessing environmental conditions in the field to evaluate potential environmental impacts from construction.
• Evaluating potential issues and concerns ahead of construction activities.
• Overseeing the proper implementation of mitigation measures.
• Collect field data as requested by agency staff.
• Inspecting and documenting compliance with a project's environmental requirements by preparing daily written inspection reports that provide up-to-date and consistent written and photo documentation of activities observed in the field.
• Identifying, documenting, and overseeing corrective actions as needed to bring an activity back into compliance.
• Have a thorough understanding of issues of concern which include, but are not limited to, erosion control, stormwater management, hazardous materials management, soil compaction and soil mixing, and invasive species control as these issues relate to natural resources, habitat management, agricultural land use, and residential and developed areas.
• Participating in various construction meetings
• Review of the monthly construction status report and look ahead reports
• Preparing documentation to support requests for variances from environmental permits.
• Evaluating restoration activities and conducting compaction testing as required.
• Compliance with ERM’s rigorous safety program.
• Performing additional tasks as assigned or required.

REQUIREMENTS:

The role of an Environmental Inspector requires meticulous oversight by highly skilled individuals stationed in the field throughout construction to ensure compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations. Qualifications of individuals to be considered will include:

• BS or BA degree preferred, equivalent environmental inspection or monitoring experience, or a minimum of 10 years of relevant construction experience.
• 5+ years of environmental inspection, monitoring, or permitting experience specific to linear and/or other energy infrastructure projects.
• Construction Site Manager certification from the University of Minneapolis a plus.
• Electric Transmission or linear project experience required.
• An 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, but not limited to, experience using Microsoft Office programs and digital cameras.
• Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography), as well as Field Maps and Survey123 applications
• Knowledge of environmental sampling methods.
• The ability to travel extensively in a physically demanding position.
• Be physically fit and able to:
  • Walk/hike for up to 10 hours per day on possible uneven, steep, challenging terrain.
  • Be able to carry up to 10 pounds of equipment while walking/hiking.
  • Work in all weather conditions.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area in remote locations.