Virginia Natural Gas (VNG), a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas, is seeking a detail oriented and technically proficient Environmental Inspector to support compliance with environmental regulations and company standards across construction, operations, and maintenance activities for natural gas pipeline and facility infrastructure. This position is responsible for conducting field inspections, monitoring environmental compliance, and ensuring work is performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local, regulations, permit requirements, and company policies.
This position requires an active field presence and will apply practical knowledge of erosion and sediment control (ESC), stormwater management (SWM), and permit compliance to proactively identify risks and ensure corporate and regulatory standards are met. The Environmental Inspector will proactively identify compliance issues, provide guidance to project teams and contractors, document inspection findings, and support timely resolution of environmental concerns to ensure regulatory and company requirements are consistently met.
The job will be based at VNG’s corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Due to the nature of this position, a hybrid work model (office and remote work) should be expected. VNG’s policy is 4-days in office, in the field, or at a customer location with 1-day work from home. This position supports all VNG’s business units; thus, office and Work from Home days may vary to meet business needs.
Job Location: 544 South Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct routine and compliance-driven field inspections of active construction and operational sites to verify adherence to ESC/SWM plans and environmental permits.
Ensure all inspections meet Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program (VESMP) requirements. Maintain comprehensive logs, photo documentation, and compliance records.
Assist in responding to agency inspections and inquiries (DEQ, VMRC, USACE, etc.).
Confirm that all of Best Management Practices (BMPs), including inlet protection, perimeter controls, and stabilization measures are correctly installed and maintained.
Review engineering drawings and specifications in the field to ensure site activities align with approved designs.
Identify non-compliance issues in real time. Communicate clear, actionable corrective actions to contractors and field personnel and follow-up to verify resolution within required timeframes.
Interface directly with construction crews, project managers, and environmental consultants. Act as primary resource for interpreting permit requirements and environmental commitments.
Assist in responding to inspections and inquiries from agencies such as DEQ, VMRC, and USACE.
Provide real-time field recommendations to reduce environmental risk and minimize the project footprint.
Monitor compliance regarding sensitive areas, including wetland/stream crossings and protected resource buffer zones.
Conduct pre-construction environmental assessments and site visits.
Support and conduct training sessions for contractors to ensure deep understanding of site-specific environmental expectations.
Assist in coordination and documentation efforts during response events as needed.
And other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
1 - 3+ years of environmental inspection experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated success in environmental inspection, with a specific focus on ESC and stormwater compliance under VESMP.
Prior experience inspecting linear utility or natural gas pipeline construction projects.
Working knowledge of DEQ regulations, ESC / SWM standards, USACE Section 404 permits, wetland / stream protection, and other environmental requirements.
Ability to interpret complex construction plans, site drawings, and environmental permits in a field environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear, defensible, and accurate inspection technical reports.
Proven ability to influence contractor behavior and maintain professional, firm, and productive working relationships in high-pressure construction environments.
Applicable combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Travel requirements: This position may require frequent travel within the VNG service area on a regular (75-90%) basis. Trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights an estimated two to three times per year.
On-call duties: This position will require the ability to respond to urgent environmental issues when contacted during traditional and non-traditional work hours, as issues arise. On-call duties are estimated as 10% per year.
Physical demands: This position frequently requires prolonged standing or walking, ability to lift minimum 20 pounds
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Disclaimer : This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
