Principal Environmental Program Specialist (Net Zero Carbon Emissions)

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, Port Sustainability & Resilience, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating programs to address the environmental impact from port operations. The candidate will ensure work performed by contractors, consultants, and employees are in accordance with Port Authority of New York & New Jersey standards. The candidate will provide technical support in the interpretation and advancement of environmental resources, strategy, policy, and technology implementation that are aligned with the agency’s Environmental Sustainability Policy and Net Zero goals. The Principal Environmental Program Specialist must have excellent communication skills, strong environmental knowledge, and proven success in complex technical program and project management.

Responsibilities

• Managing Port Authority environmental programs, such as the Truck Replacement Program, including grant application, project authorization, project scoping, and continual improvement.
• Managing and coordinating Port Authority-funded environmental initiatives including an annual Air Emission Inventory, as well as alternative power, and renewable energy projects.
• Tracking updates on policy, regulations, and technology that may be suitable for future implementation or affects port communities such as emission control standards.
• Assist in the implementation of Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with interim GHG reduction targets of35 percent by 2025, and 50 percent by 2030. 
• Coordinating with internal partners and external government agencies (federal, state, and local) to identify and obtain grant funding to support environmental projects and manage grant compliance as appropriate. 
• Preparing authorization and board approval packages for various projects including schedule and budget.
• Spearhead data collection efforts and studies to implement environmental policy and strategies. 

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or Policy related discipline from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental program management. 
• Demonstrated quantitative techniques, data analytics and visualization skills.
• Selected candidate will be required to pass a Federal Security Background check and obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) to work in a maritime environment as required by Department of Homeland Security.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Platforms.

Desired Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

• Demonstrated extensive program management experience related to technically and administratively complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge of CWA, CAA, RCRA and other federal/state environmental regulations.
• Working experience with grant application and management.
• Knowledge in air mitigation/emission control technologies.
• Strong technical and administrative leadership skills with demonstrated abilities to conduct thorough and accurate problem analyses and evaluations and provide successful and executable recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, manage time effectively and work independently.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, including report authorships and presentations.