Environmental Coordinator Responsibilities
An environmental coordinator plays an important role in the preservation of the environment. He/she is responsible for researching, formulating, and implementing the environment policies. These professionals have a wide scope of working in a variety of settings based on their field of interest. They get hired in government sectors as well as in private organizations. They work in regional and local government offices, assisting to set environmental objectives and ensuring that those goals are achieved. Environmental coordinator responsibilities involve handling issues of pollution, city planning, water management, energy usage, eradication of invasive species, protection of natural resources and public education.
Environmental health is one of the major concerns of environmental coordinators. They have to monitor ongoing construction sites and coordinate with public health departments in order to cover the health issues and preserve the environment by inspecting industries and ensuring that they do not release hazardous substances that will harm the environment.
Whether a land is developed in habitation or is being farmed can be an issue of concern for these coordinators. Working as an environmental coordinator usually requires the ability to deal with diverse people and organizations by developing excellent communicating skills. They may have to hold a press conference or prepare a written memorandum to discuss environmental trends being monitored at various locations.
Key Responsibilities of an Environmental Coordinator
An environmental coordinator has to develop protocols to assist their work of making environmental friendly working pattern, while either working in a government sector or a private one. Their responsibilities involve:
- Coordinating with the audits and inspection material to ensure conformity with the plan.
- Coordinate and verify the work progress as per the relevant specifications and company's environmental systems.
- Assist in designing, preparing, implementing and maintaining the environmental project plan.
- Reduce the impact on local environment by pollution control, implementing plans for controlling wastes, conservation of flora and fauna, removal of hazardous substances and hydrocarbons, management of water in accordance to the legislated and contractual requirements.
- Make certain that documents and records are filed as per the contract filing system.
- Overview and coordinate environmental operations in order to ensure permit renewals and regulatory compliance.
- Inspect the various sites for environmental compliances.
- Provide training and assistance to the team members.
- Make sure that industrial operations are regulated as per the state and local changing conditions.
- Determine the root cause of environment issues and plan for appropriate actions to overcome them.
- Find out potential environmental risks and design for mitigation plan.
- Maintain clear and complete documentations for reference purpose during environmental operations.
- Team up with the management to upgrade activities and schedule periodic maintenance.
- Keep updated documents which enclose regulations and environmental policies
- Work with cross-functional groups to maintain monitoring programs and environmental management.
- Determine areas of improvement to lessen environmental wastes and damages.
- Develop contamination control programs to reduce hazards and accidents.
- Other duties are performed under the guidance and direction of the Supervisor/Manager.
Educational Criteria
A person aspiring to become an environmental coordinator needs to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institute with minimum two years experience in environmental research, environmental protection (soil, water, ecology, wildlife management, etc.). On the other hand, he/she should have completed graduation in natural or environmental science with one year experience in ecology, wildlife, water or soil. Individuals holding a master's degree in this field can get better opportunities to make his/her career in the environmental field. A diploma holder in environmental science with at least five years experience is also eligible.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
There is a set of skills which is essential to work effectively in this field:
- Candidates need to have good knowledge of updated research methods, concepts and state environment.
- Knowledge of various computer software packages.
- Proficient knowledge of required environmental statutory assets, environmental requirements and laws in the civil and mining area.
- Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with people they interact with.
- Knowledge of rules and regulations along with quality review act along with proficiency in writing reports.
- Ability to carry out administrative or staff assignments and present them in writing or verbal format.
- Ability to share technical ideas and concepts with public and non technical personnel.
- Good judgment, planning and strategy making skills are essential
- Previous experience of performing similar role in civil project
- Good verbal and writing skills
- Creative and initiative problem solving tacts
- Ability to manage, lead, participate and schedule multiple activities
- Ready to work in remote locations if required
- Ability to work dynamically in various work environment
Senior environmental coordinators may have great experience in areas such as technical writing, education, environmental engineering or other areas based on what kind of work they perform. Environmental coordinator responsibilities are all about leading, management and coordination.