About the position
This Environmental Scientist/Specialist position provides regulatory analysis and permitting for all electrical transmission & distribution, natural gas, non-hydro generation and service facilities construction and maintenance projects. The Specialist works with project leads to ensure environmental and cultural resource compliance through all stages of projects.
Responsibilities
• Evaluate non-hydro proposed projects for regulatory and permit applicability including scope, work methods and other related potential environmental impacts.
• Provide project lead(s) with permitting recommendations to complete project work in a timely and efficient manner, including other strategic approaches or options when available.
• Manages the complete environmental and land-use permitting process through all stages including: Planning, Applicability, Application, Public Notice, Negotiation, Permit Issuance, Implementation and On-site Construction/Compliance Monitoring.
• Keeps accurate and complete records of all work.
• Selects and manages the proper contractor and/or specialized resources needed to acquire permits in a timely and efficient manner.
• Proactively establishes and maintains open communication and strong relationships with the local, state, municipal, and federal agencies.
• Proactively establishes and maintains open communication (including training) with internal personnel, regarding environmental and land use permitting, and cultural resource regulations.
• Seeks and implements methods to improve the quality and efficiency of permitting processes and other duties.
Requirements
• Bachelor's Degree from four-year college or university in an applicable field, such as biology, geology, chemistry, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, environmental science, or related field.
• Must demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of particular field of experience or specialization.
• Comfortable in office and field situations representing the company and interacting with a wide variety of utility staff, agency regulators, tribes, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in writing/grammar.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships and to communicate clearly is essential.
• Demonstrated planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes.
• Computer skills proficiency required including standard office software, GIS or other specialized applications.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Environmental Scientist I: Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience required.
• Environmental Scientist II: Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience.
• Proficiency in creating clear, concise, and well-structured technical documentation, including reports, manuals, process guides, etc.
• Ability to translate complex technical information into easily understandable content for various audiences.
Nice-to-haves
• Experience preparing regulatory permit applications as well as developing regulatory compliance strategies for a variety of project types.
• Fundamental understanding of electric and gas utility work activities; how they are accomplished and their associated compliance risks and obligations.
• Background and experience in federal, state and local environmental and land-use regulation and permitting strategies for NEPA, Special Use Permits, SEPA, Army Corp, Wetlands, ESA, Cultural Resources, etc. with existing relationships with regulatory staff in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
• Advanced technical writing skills and critical thinking.
Benefits
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• Incentive plans.
• Wellness resources.
• Time-off programs.