Entry Environmental Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Safety & Environmental Engineer provides technical safety and environmental expertise for renewable energy construction projects including solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This role ensures safe work practices, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection while supporting project teams across all phases of construction. The Safety & Environmental Engineer partners closely with project managers, field leadership, subcontractors, and corporate safety teams to implement safety programs, conduct field oversight, and manage risks that uphold Continental Energy Solutions' high standards for safety performance and environmental stewardship.

What you'll do

Provide on-site safety leadership and oversight

• Conduct daily site safety inspections, hazard assessments, and risk control reviews for solar and battery storage installations.
• Verify safe practices around energized electrical work, DC/AC systems, inverters, switchgear, and high-voltage equipment.
• Ensure proper implementation of safety programs including LOTO, arc flash protection, fall protection, confined space entry, trenching and excavation, and hot work.
• Lead daily safety briefings, toolbox talks, and site safety huddles.
• Support emergency response planning, drills, and incident response activities.

Manage subcontractor safety performance

• Oversee subcontractor onboarding, safety orientation, and competency verification.
• Review and approve subcontractor safety plans, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and lift plans.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance with contract safety requirements, permitting, and PPE standards.
• Escalate safety concerns and coordinate corrective actions with project leadership.

Ensure environmental compliance

• Implement environmental management programs including stormwater protection (SWPPP), erosion control, hazardous and universal waste management, and spill prevention (SPCC).
• Support compliance related to battery and lithium-ion energy storage systems.
• Conduct environmental inspections and maintain regulatory documentation.
• Coordinate recycling, waste characterization, and disposal documentation.

Lead safety training and orientation

• Deliver site-specific safety orientations to employees and subcontractors.
• Provide training on electrical safety, LOTO, fall protection, equipment operation, emergency response, and hazard communication.
• Maintain training records and ensure certifications remain current.

Support incident management and continuous improvement

• Prepare site safety plans, environmental documentation, permits, and inspection records.
• Support project teams during constructability reviews to integrate safety and environmental requirements.
• Investigate incidents including near misses, injuries, electrical events, environmental spills, and property damage.
• Conduct root cause analyses and ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Track safety metrics and contribute to safety reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.

What you'll need for success

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Safety Management, or related field

Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction safety, with at least 3 years leading electrical safety programs

Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA, NEC, EPA, and NFPA safety regulations and compliance requirements

Strong understanding of electrical hazards, energized work controls, arc flash protection, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices

Experience conducting incident investigations and root-cause analyses

Ability to influence teams and communicate effectively with field personnel, subcontractors, and leadership

Experience working with EHS management systems such as Enablon, Cority, Intelex, or similar platforms

Knowledge of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management systems preferred

Ability to maintain clear documentation, regulatory records, and safety metrics

Willingness to travel approximately 40%, including overnight travel

Certifications (Preferred)

Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)

Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP)

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Associate Safety & Health Manager (ASHM)

Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST)

Physical & Environmental Requirements

The Safety & Environmental Engineer must be able to safely perform work in industrial, manufacturing, and construction environments. This includes standing and walking for extended periods while conducting site inspections across warehouses, production areas, outdoor environments, and active construction sites.

The role requires climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, entering confined spaces, and navigating uneven terrain such as scaffolding access points, compacted soil, and active work areas with moving equipment or materials.

The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull 25-40 pounds occasionally, including safety equipment, monitoring devices, and documentation materials. Visual and auditory acuity are required to identify hazards, observe equipment, review technical documentation, and communicate in high-noise environments.

The role requires wearing appropriate PPE including hard hats, respirators, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, fall protection, and hearing protection. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, heat, cold, dust, fumes, and chemicals may occur. The position may also require rapid response during emergency situations or incident investigations across multiple project locations.

Continental Energy Solutions (CES) offers end-to-end commercial renewable energy solutions. We design, engineer, procure, install, commission, monitor, and maintain solar arrays, solar plus battery storage, and full microgrid solutions. Our experienced team, including NABCEP Certified Professionals, plus our extensive project portfolio of both rooftop and ground mount systems for big-box retail, warehouse, and campus solutions have put CES at the top of our industry in the Midwest.

Working for Continental Energy Solutions provides:

• Assistance, tools, and resources for success
• A collaborative, engaging and respectful workplace
• Fulfilling career opportunities and skills development

• A values-based working environment:

E: Everyone United

N: Nurture Communication

E: Enforce Accountability

R: Relationships Matter

G: Growth and Development

Y: You Make the Difference

Continental Energy Solutions offers a competitive salary that may vary based on the scope and responsibilities of the role and the candidate's relevant experience, education, and skills. We also offer a rich benefits program that includes medical insurance with a generous company subsidy and HRA; dental and vision; 401(k) with 100% match up to 5% of salary deferrals; profit sharing; retirement benefit; company-provided life and disability insurance; liberal paid time off including PTO, paid holidays, parental leave and volunteer time off; tuition assistance; Employee Assistance Program and company subsidized wellness .

Continental Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, arrest or conviction record, source of income or credit history.