Director, Channel Infrastructure Marine Regulatory Development

Are you ready to think about the future and dream big? At Port Houston, we're seeking individuals who are eager to tackle the most significant challenges of their careers. For over a century, we've been driven by vision and scale, delivering impactful initiatives that shape Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success hinge on attracting, retaining, and nurturing exceptional talent.

When you join Port Houston, you're embarking on a journey towards a fulfilling career path. Take the first step in the right direction—are you READY?

Position Summary:
In anticipation of significant Port Houston regulatory activities over the next 10-15 years, the Channel Infrastructure Marine Regulatory Director will direct and oversee U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit applications and support through providing subject matter expertise and Port Houston’s compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Essential functions of the position include:

• Maintaining a working knowledge of all applicable laws and regulations
• Project management of environmental permitting projects to secure U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction permits
• focused on in-water and waterfront activities, including mega-project permitting requiring multi-faceted and comprehensive understanding of port development, dredging and dredged material management, beneficial use, and channel design and maintenance.
• Ensuring alignment between Strategic Development, Facility Planning, Operations, Port Infrastructure, Environmental, and Communications for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting activities, permitting assumptions and the baseline project scope with close coordination, through clear and effective communication, between permitting and project development and design activities
• Actively engaging with internal and external shareholders and consultants on Port Houston’s Federal marine associated permitting activities
• Identifying, specifying and managing contracts, as required, to support delivery, working with technical specialists, engineering, and commercial management colleagues
• Ensuring best management practices are implemented with respect to management of documents and records

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

• Monitor, interpret, track, and analyze proposed environmental, energy and related legislation, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and local levels that could potentially adversely impact Port Houston or could significantly increase environmental compliance requirements and costs
• Act as lead point of contact with such agencies including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers related activities with the Texas
  Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas General Land Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, State Historic Preservation Officer, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. • Works with U.S. Coast Guard, Houston Pilots, Beneficial Use Group, and other agencies and groups to ensure Port Houston support for federal or Port Houston projects
• Lead the preparation and review of applications for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits, and the modification of active permits, for all Port Houston marine-based activities. Permit applications may involve involvement and coordination of pre-application consultations, public notice/public hearings, project evaluations/public interests review and communication, waters of the U.S. and wetland evaluation, alternative evaluation, and cumulative impact review
• Develop systems, processes, and procedures to achieve and sustain compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws, rules and regulations
• Develop, justify, and administer the regulatory portion of the Channel Infrastructure budget using cost-benefit analysis to set priorities; plan and enforce financial controls to minimize operational costs without sacrificing efficiency
• Liaise with Port Houston area stakeholders on regulatory and permitting issues, and represent the organization on various nonprofit boards, government or NGO committees, and trade organizations as appropriate to support Port Houston strategies
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform other duties, as required

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences, Engineering, or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution required
• Master’s degree preferred
• 15 years of related Federal and State regulatory, environmental, and project management experience required
• Previous and comprehensive experience developing and leading projects in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:
• Knowledge of Environmental Science and Management
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and other related Federal rules
• Knowledge of Clean Air Act Conservation Act, Resource Conservation Act and Recovery Act, and Oil Pollution Act
• Understands processes, procedures and organization for key agencies including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas General Land Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, State Historic Preservation Officer, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Knowledge of Emergency Preparedness and Community Right-to-Know Act
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Ability to lead by example and inspire others
• A current, valid Texas driver's license is required
• A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment

Key Competencies Required:

• Aligning Performance for Success
• Building Partnerships
• Creativity and Innovation
• Leadership Presence
• Leading Through Vision and Values
• Politically Astute

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high.  To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers.  Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged.  Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government. 

Thank you for choosing Port Houston in your career search.

Disclaimer:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.