Competency framework: environmental approval specialists

Abstract

Environmental approvals take time, and scheduling and planning for their preparation and submission should be high on the list of priorities when planning a project. Understanding the regulatory process and knowing what level of information is required at each stage is critical. Providing quality environmental support to the oil and gas industry requires not only an understanding of the range of petroleum activities and their potential impacts and risks, but extensive knowledge of environmental receptors in each operational area, an understanding of complex technical methods for impact and risk quantification and a solid understanding of relevant regulations with an ability to navigate complex approval processes. A common environmental competency framework could support the industry to: • identify gaps in skills and knowledge for individuals, teams or across industry sectors • develop people across the broad range of skills they require • recruit the right people into the right positions for more effective teams • engage environmental professionals to encourage longevity in their careers • develop learning and development solutions including mentoring and coaching opportunities that will have increased relevance to the industry. Green Light Environmental have developed an internal environmental competency framework as a means of assessing and documenting competency for staff and contractors working under the Green Light Environmental brand. The framework consists of a series of competency standards that reflect the core responsibilities for environmental consultant resources during planning, construction, operation and decommissioning of petroleum activities. Each standard clearly identifies the knowledge and experience required to achieve competence and is supported by assessment tools. The adoption of a shared competency framework would further support the shared desire across industry, regulator and stakeholders to increase collaboration and transparency in environmental approval processes and documentation.