Job title: EHS Environmental Technician

About Sims Metal

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

This position requires:

• Passing a pre-employment physical, drug test, and background check .
• Daily onsite work at 2500 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60608.
• Working outdoors 4 (or more) hours per day.

Purpose of the role

The primary roles for this position include oversight of a 3rd party field technician for the ambient air monitoring network and required air sampling at our Chicago, IL facility and the gathering, organization, review, verification and reporting (when applicable) of all applicable information associated with the continuous operation of the facility’s emission control system. The ideal candidate will be able to implement an instrumental and manual field-testing program based on defined objectives, work with the collected field information, provide office-based data review/validation, and support report development. The individual will be responsible for the air monitoring efforts, regulatory notification, report preparation, and data management (through our consultant’s system), all while driving compliance with Sims and local jurisdictions’ environmental, health, and safety policies/regulations.

Primary focus

• Oversight of day-to-day ambient air monitoring network and sampling (and management of compliance obligations for the emission control system).

Principal Accountabilities

• Oversee air sampling and analysis to ensure performed in strict accordance with standard operating procedures and other approved plans and protocols.
• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly data reports, as required by the program and permits.
• Oversee and track the operation, repair, and routine maintenance and calibration of all types of monitoring equipment currently in use at the site (including near-reference method PM10 air monitors, filter-based sampling equipment, canister sampling, and a meteorological station).
• Ensure the accurate completion of data sheets, calibration records, chain of custody forms, and all other required documentation.
• Review data compilation and processing including the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and consultant's proprietary software.
• Lead and/or support the investigation of non-conformances and identify and communicate corrective actions.
• Partner with operations to assist in the understanding of the relationship between how work is done and how it impacts air analysis and other permit conditions.
• Assist with the implementation and understanding of city and state permit conditions with the workforce.
• Candidate must have the ability to recognize data discrepancies and assist in the resolution of problems associated with errant data.
• Candidate must be able to work independently and have good communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Identify and report on-site hazards and risks and the correction of same.
• Complete corporately required training.
• Participate and/or lead monthly (or more frequent) inspections and monitoring (including those permit conditions associated with the site’s emission control system).
• Assist with implementation and understanding of EHS Standard Requirements.
• Demonstrate personal responsibility for all EHS policies, procedures, and initiatives.
• Support measures designed to manage costs and adherence to budgetary requirements.
• Support diversity and inclusion, positive employee relations, and teamwork.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and quality requirements.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)

• Project Execution Performance (schedule, budget, etc.)
• EHS Training
• EHS inspections and/or audits and corrective actions implemented

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to work effectively with a broad range of individuals at multiple levels
• Ability to manage change and adapt to ensure continual success
• Self-starter with a high level of resilience and ability to work independently with limited direction
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational, and analytical skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, manage time, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Effective influencing skills, and the ability to achieve results through others
• Good computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and EHS data management systems
• Strategic thinking and troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail
• Logical thinking and structuring of complex problems
• Analytical thinking, comfortable with numbers and quantitative analysis
• High level of drive and energy to inspire change
• Good verbal and written communication
• Outstanding project management skills and the ability to monitor large datasets measuring pollutant data in ambient air and/or local meteorology

Education / Qualifications Required

• Recent ambient air quality measurement experience, with progressive project management and field team leadership responsibilities, is a plus.
• Familiarity with air permits, applicable regulation and emission control technologies is also a plus.
• A degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science or other related field is strongly preferred.
• Candidate should have strong mechanical and electronic troubleshooting skills.
• Candidate must be able to work independently and have good communication skills (both written and verbal).
• A valid driver's license.
• Physically able to lift equipment (~50 lbs.) and climb ladders/platforms.

Find Out More…Please visit for more information on Sims and its commitment to sustainability.

At Sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.

Nearest Market: Chicago

Find Out More… Please visit for more information on Sims and its commitment to sustainability.