Counsel, Environment Jobs

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

CN’s Counsel, Environment is responsible for providing legal advice, guidance, and representation to CN’s U.S. subsidiaries on environmental and health and safety matters. The incumbent collaborates across departments to advise on compliance and risk mitigation, environmental contract terms, and emergency response situations, The incumbent also oversees the handling of administrative and litigated environmental matters and contributes to public reporting, including sustainability and financial reports.

Main Responsibilities

Advise on Legal Questions Relating to Environmental, Health and Safety Law

• Respond to requests for advice from clients across CNs departments, including Environment, Real Estate, Sales and Marketing, and Operations

• Protect CN from environmental risks arising from the company’s operations

• Provide advice on permits required for construction projects, jurisdiction issues, environmental rulemakings, and environmental aspects of corporate and commercial matters

• Negotiate cleanup orders with state and federal environmental authorities

• Represent CN’s interests in cost recovery and contribution matters

• Defend CN in judicial and administrative environmental enforcement actions

• Assist environmental staff in performing internal environmental compliance audits

• Respond to CERCLA 104(e) and similar government information requests

• Participate on environmental due diligence teams in connection with proposed acquisitions and mergers

• Review, negotiate and draft environmental provisions for various commercial, real estate and operating agreements

• Respond to and resolve OSHA citations and complaints

Advise Internal Clients and Stakeholders During Emergencies

• Provide advice on applicable regulations during emergency situations

• Prepare reports for submission to appropriate agencies

• Communicate mandates to consultants and work closely with the Environment team on remediation steps

Partner with CN Departments on Public Reporting

• Review disclosures

• Provide information and data for reporting to relevant individuals across CN including Sustainability, Public Affairs, and Corporate Secretary

• Work with internal clients on compliance programs including internal review of compliance with specific regulations

Working Conditions

The role is currently a hybrid schedule, working in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and remotely on Wednesday and Friday. The role requires minimal travel (10%) within the central U.S. The role requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidents.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 10 years experience handling environmental matters at a reputable law firm, federal or state prosecuting agency, or private enterprise in an in-house capacity

• Environmental litigation experience*

• Real estate transaction experience*

• Any experience for these above would be considered an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

• Juris Doctor from an accredited Law School

• Member of the Bar in a jurisdiction where CN carries on business, preferably in Illinois

Competencies

• Shares timely information within and across functions to get things done effectively

• Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity

• Fosters diverse representation, and diversity of thought and experience as a strategic advantage

• Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts to the audience

• Makes informed and timely decisions to get things done

• Influences by translating expertise into practical business outcomes

• Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes

• Political acumen

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Strong grasp of U.S. environmental laws, including state and federal air pollution, water pollution, solid waste disposal, hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal (RCRA), contaminated sites cleanup (CERCLA), leaking underground storage tank (LUST), wetlands protection and permitting statutes and regulations

• OSHA

• Transportation regulations*

• Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered an asset

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

CN is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. Only qualified candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.