Principal Environmental & Sustainability Specialist

Responsibilities

• Serve as an environmental/sustainability resource for each airport. Represent the Aviation Environmental Program as needed at agency and airport meetings.
• Support the implementation of the new airport Zero-Emission Airside Vehicle Rule (anticipated to be final this year), including assisting fleet owners with compliance and navigating the requirements of this new rule; staying up to date on developments in zero-emission ground support equipment technology; and leading stakeholder engagement.
• Support new grant-funded projects for the construction of electric vehicle charging stations at the airports, including identification of new projects; engagement with interested stakeholders; collaboration with other departments or groups within the Aviation Department as needed to secure funding, commitments from airport stakeholders, and implementation of projects; and monitoring the availability of grant funding opportunities from various federal and state programs.
• Support the implementation of the new Airport Solid Waste Management and Recycling Policy, including analysis of airport facility recycling reports; facility compliance assistance; manage efforts to improve source separation at various facilities across the airports, including source separation of organic waste; evaluation of new technologies to improve source separation; and stakeholder engagement on optimizing source separation and solid waste management.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the development and implementation of new policies and strategies aimed at reducing the airports’ environmental footprints, including sustainable aviation fuel, zero-emission vehicles, reducing usage of aircraft auxiliary power units, implementing lower-emission airfield management strategies, glycol (deicing fluid) management and management of firefighting foam.
• Lead the development of periodic reports on each airport’s performance in reducing their environmental footprints and enhancing sustainability. Collaborate with the Port Authority Office of Sustainability on periodic assessments of the airports’ emissions of air pollutants, including greenhouse gas emissions.

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Engineering, Environmental Policy, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• One to three years of experience in the implementation of environmental compliance and sustainability projects.
• Knowledge of the principles of environmental protection and environmental sustainability.
• Willingness to periodically travel to PA Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR, TEB, SWF) to meet with stakeholders, conduct compliance audits, and gather data to support project initiatives

Desired

Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

• Strong interpersonal skills to resolve challenges and conflicts, as necessary.
• Demonstrated proficiency using PC-based applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, think on your feet and work comfortably in a public-facing position.
• Experience in the aviation sector.
• Work experience within a government agency.
• Demonstrated success in navigating a complex organization’s structure, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate collaboration, teamwork, and creativity to solve problems in a fast-paced project setting.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive salary, an outstanding benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should apply to this job by clicking on the Apply Now button and submitting a combined cover letter and resume. The Port Authority of NY & NJ welcomes veteran and military spouse applications.

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted.

About The Port Authority

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey/Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.