Director, Operations Regulatory & Environmental Compliance (Ref ID: 1020)

ABOUT NEXTDECADE CORPORATION 

NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure, low-cost, and sustainable energy solutions through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction and carbon capture and storage infrastructure. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development. We are also developing a potential carbon capture and storage project at the facility that is expected to make meaningful impacts toward a lower carbon future. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE 

Oversight of facility level compliance assurance management programs, policies, procedures, and processes in support of the company’s Regulatory strategic objectives.

This position requires an experienced professional with deep expertise in regulatory affairs, particularly in environmental compliance technical & report writing, incident reporting, and regulatory processes. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills and demonstrate the ability to provide strategic oversight while offering hands-on support in developing and maintaining regulatory documentation. A keen balance between high-level strategic thinking and detail-oriented execution in regulatory compliance is essential for success in this position. Candidate must have on-site operational experience on an LNG (preferred) or petrochemical facility.  Must be a self-starter, work and execute high quality work with minimum supervision, and be capable of working under pressure and managing several projects simultaneously. This position is located in Brownsville, TX.

• Team Leadership:
• Lead an on-site Regulatory & Environmental Compliance team (approximately 5) responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining federal and state programs including: FERC, DOT-PHMSA, TRRC, CAA, CWA, RCRA, EPCRA, CERCLA, and other applicable environmental and regulatory aspects.
• Communicate organizational vision and values to staff and promote effective information flow.
• Manage interactions with 3rd party consultants / vendors as needed.
• Regulatory Compliance & Permit Management:
• Monitor permit conditions vs. field data to ensure continued compliance; Ability to analyze raw data and report out internally and to regulators, as required.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate permitting conditions, parameters, reporting, notifications, and renewal.
• Owns environmental reporting and data management in online HSE Management system.
• Develop key reporting metrics for projects and sites to ensure predictable, reliable results and clarity of current and future permit conditions and needs.
• Develop dashboards for permit conditions by site to allow the business clarity into our current state of compliance.
• Provide strategic guidance on crafting compelling regulatory documents for submissions
• Create efficient workflows, timelines, and demonstrate strong project management skills for timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Manage environmental risk assessments through the due diligence and audit process for existing facilities and potential new development project sites
• Operational Support & Training:
• Lead the ongoing transition from constriction, commissioning, warranty and early ops into a steady state Operational Facility.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to address environmental challenges with technical guidance and research-based solutions.
• Develop and deliver training programs to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permits
• Inspections, Audits, and Reporting:
• Manage and coordinate Regulatory inspections and reporting: data requests, inspection scheduling, annual reporting, and enforcement response.
• Conduct permit inspections, support internal audits, and oversee daily site compliance checks.
• Prepare and maintain compliance reports, certifications, and permit documentation
• Perform annual review/audits of programs and implement changes with operations and contractors.
• Within reporting deadlines, manage completion all required regulatory reporting and / or notifications to regulatory agencies.
• Ensure all Environmental incidents are properly contained and investigated to root cause determination, corrective actions are implemented, and reporting is completed.
• Agency Liaison and Regulatory Oversight:
• Acts as site’s lead during compliance audits/inspections from local, State and Federal personnel.
• Analyze regulations for operational impact and ensure adherence through SOP development and updates.
• Provide environmental and regulatory technical advice to Corporate and legal counsel when required to accurately interpret regulations for compliance.
• Data Management & Emergency Response:
• Review and track Regulatory key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop reports analyzing trends and developing regulatory/environmental objectives and targets to meet company goals.
• Track and report compliance data using internal systems.
• Coordinate and support emergency response efforts as needed.
• Regulatory Awareness:
• Present solution alternatives when Operational issues arise and advise the Company’s executive management in clear, concise content and format to facilitate sound and timely decisions.
• Carry out other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Environmental Science, Engineering (civil, mechanical, environmental, or chemical), or related disciplines.
• 12 years of experience in compliance work, project coordination, and commissioning/operations.
• Detail-oriented and organization skills to thoroughly document inspections and follow proper reporting procedures.
• Familiarity with environmental compliance strategies and processes.
• In depth knowledge and experience of root cause failure analysis tools and their application for noncompliance events.
• Ability to integrate a broad range of internal and external factors with appropriate level of strategic thinking when making decisions.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Must maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card in good standing status.

• Research skills to stay updated on emerging environmental issues, technology, and regulation changes.
• 5 yrs. onsite LNG operational experience.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in reading engineering drawings, P&IDs, specifications, and site plans.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance in LNG.
• Understanding of process relevant to LNG and major hazards working on an Operational site.

Job Site Work Environment 

·  Must be able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions. 

·  Operates in a complex construction environment. 

·   Exposure to indoor and outdoor weather conditions. 

·   Not necessarily protected from weather and temperature changes. Possible exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions. 

·   Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical circuits. 

·   Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distraction. 

·   Routinely uses standard office and field communications equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers w/scanner and fax, and radios. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job.

·  Ability to drive to other Company work locations as required. 

·   Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility, including being physically capable of traveling to a designed muster point during emergency situations.  

·   Stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift. 

·   The incumbent is required to have fully mechanical motion and usage of all extremities. 

·   Physically able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle, and lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. without assistance. 

·   Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

·   Must be able to clearly communicate with others via radio, phone, and verbal methods.  

·   May be required to enter confined spaces. 

·   May be required to work at elevated heights and access elevated structures without assistance. 

If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com.

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

*In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

NEXTDECADE VALUES

·   Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us.

·   Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do.

·   Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions.

·   Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work.

·   Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders.

·   Diversity – We value diversity of people and thought. It takes people with different strengths, ideas, and cultural backgrounds to make our company succeed.

NextDecadeprovides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecadecomplies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.