Special Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

ERM is hiring Environmental Inspectors to oversee environmental compliance during the construction phase of our client's transmission and distribution project in northern Nevada and southern Idaho. This is a full-time (60-72 hours per week) limited-term role for a duration of 18 months, with the possibility of extension beginning in March 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Preparing and conducting environmental training for construction personnel.

• Conducting field inspections, conducting environmental inspection of construction activities, and field survey work as directed.

• verifying that the limits of authorized construction work areas and locations of access roads are properly marked before clearing;

• Interacting with and serving as a point of contact with agency officials, regulatory agency staff, landowners, contractors, clients and other project members and conducting required agency notifications.

• Reviewing and implementing project documents and providing direction, support and critical judgment on environmental compliance issues.

• Providing technical leadership, support and direction to field staff. This includes the coordination of daily Environmental Inspector and Resource Monitor schedules and conducting morning construction meetings.

• Critically assessing environmental conditions in the field to evaluate potential environmental impacts from construction.

• Evaluating potential issues and concerns ahead of construction activities.

• Overseeing the proper implementation of mitigation measures.

• Conducting environmental sampling (hydrostatic test water, soil, etc.).

• Overseeing and verifying flagging and signage of waterbody and wetland boundaries, cultural and biological resources exclusion zones, refueling zones, or areas with special requirements within the construction work area.

• Inspecting and documenting compliance with a project's environmental requirements by preparing daily written inspection reports that provide up-to-date and consistent written and photo documentation of activities observed in the field.

• identifying, documenting, and overseeing corrective actions as needed to bring an activity back into compliance.

• identifying erosion/sediment control and soil stabilization needs.

• Participating in various construction meetings.

• Preparing documentation to support requests for variances from environmental permits.

• Evaluating restoration activities and conducting compaction testing as required.

• Compliance with ERM's rigorous safety program.

• Performing additional tasks as assigned or required.

REQUIREMENTS:

The role of an Environmental Inspector requires meticulous oversight by highly skilled individuals stationed in the field throughout construction to ensure compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations. Qualifications of individuals to be considered will include:

• BS or BA degree preferred, equivalent environmental inspection or monitoring experience, or a minimum of 6 years of relevant construction experience.

• 2+ years of environmental inspection, monitoring, or permitting experience specific to linear and/or other energy infrastructure projects with preference to western US project experience.

• Electric Transmission experience required.

• BLM lands experience required.

• An understanding of construction (e.g., pipelines, power lines, compressor/pumping stations, gas storage fields, wind farms, solar facilities, offshore facilities) gained through field experience.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

• Proficient technical skills, including, but not limited to, experience using Microsoft Office programs and digital cameras.

• Working knowledge of sub-meter accuracy GPS technologies and map interpretation skills (e.g., NWI, USGS, aerial photography), as well as Field Maps and Survey123 applications

• Knowledge of environmental sampling methods.

• The ability to travel extensively and to work 40 to 70+ hours per week in a physically demanding position on temporary assignments.

• Be physically fit and able to:

  • Walk/hike for up to 10 hours per day on possible uneven, steep, challenging terrain.

  • Be able to carry up to 10 pounds of equipment while walking/hiking.

  • Work in all weather conditions.

• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area in remote locations.