Natural Resources and Permitting Specialist job in Seattle
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Organization: | Seattle City Light | Job Category: | Construction Management | Job Type: | Full Time | Country: | USA | State/Province: | Washington (WA) | City: | Seattle | Salary and Benefits: | $41.57 - $48.44 Hourly | Post Date: | 11/13/2017 |
Position Description: Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. This Senior Environmental Analyst position has two main areas of responsibility: Environmental review - ensuring that City Light's capital and maintenance projects comply with all federal, state, and local environmental regulatory requirements related to natural and cultural resources; andProviding guidance, review, and oversight on mitigation work related to any regulatory requirement. The position will involve preparing State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklists and environmental impact statements, and obtaining all required federal, state, and local permits. It requires negotiating and working with regulatory agencies and tribes, stakeholders, and environmental consultants. It also involves providing input to project designs so that environmental impacts are reduced; preparing and implementing mitigation plans; developing and monitoring best management practices; and complying with mitigation requirements, including restoration planning. This position will be primarily responsible for environmental review for capital and maintenance projects associated with the Boundary Hydroelectric Project, but will also provide environmental support, as needed, for projects at City Light's other generation plants and at transmission, distribution and administrative facilities. Job Responsibilities: This position is in Seattle City Light's Natural Resources and Permitting section in the Environment, Land, and Licensing Business Unit. The Business Unit is responsible for conducting most of the environmental and real estate work for the utility, including compliance with environmental regulations and implementation of environmental measures included in City Light's hydroelectric project licenses. The general responsibilities for this position include conducting environmental review for regulatory/statutory compliance for capital and maintenance projects from design to post-construction and monitoring. Prepare required permit applications for capital and maintenance projects, including the supporting environmental documentation, for all appropriate regulatory, resource or administrative entities. For example, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Washington State Department of Archaeologic and Historic Preservation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and counties (Pend Oreille, King, Whatcom, Snohomish, and Skagit). Prepare documentation and obtain authorizations from entities such as U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, as needed for capital and maintenance projectsConsult and negotiate with regulatory agencies, tribes, and stakeholders to fulfill the needs of City Light's projects and programs.Work with project managers and engineers during the design phase to identify environmental issues associated with projects and develop project alternatives and mitigation needed to minimize impacts. Hire and supervise consultants to assist with environmental documentation necessary for the permitting package or licensing tasks. Tasks will include preparing scopes of work, monitoring budgets, reviewing and overseeing field work and deliverables. Deliverables are reviewed for accuracy, clarity and effectiveness in meeting scope of work outlined in contract(s). Tasks may also include construction oversight for environmental compliance. Review other technical reports and submittals from consultants as assigned.Research for best practices and best available science.Report to and update Manager and other upper management at City Light on environmental issues and regulatory changes.Coordinate work with management at the Skagit River and Boundary hydroelectric project sites and capital project managers and engineers.Conduct, oversee, or assist with other environmental work as assigned. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences, environmental sciences, planning (with emphasis on environmental issues), public administration/policy (with emphasis on natural resources), or related field Experience: A minimum of five years experience in environmental compliance, research, law, or impact analysis, or a related field (Other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability). Certification/License: Current State of Washington driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. Desired Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with a major or minor in biology, applied ecology, environmental studies, botany, or other related field in natural, physical, or environmental sciences;Master's degree in biology, environmental studies, ecology, or ecological restoration;At least 5 years in environmental planning/impact analysis, compliance, regulation/policy, research, or restoration, or a related field.At least 3 years of experience in obtaining permits for large construction and/or maintenance projects and in planning and implementing mitigation work;Certified Erosion and Sedimentation Control Lead;Understanding of Washington state geography, topography, and ecology;Working knowledge of a broad range of natural and cultural resource issues;Background in working with local, state and federal regulatory agencies;Background in working with or for electric utilities;Strong organization skills and the ability handle multiple and varied assignments;Excellent written and oral communication, as demonstrated by presentations and publications;Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and effectively represent City Light issues and concerns;Ability to work effectively with people of all types and provide excellent customer service;Ability to work effectively and efficiently under time sensitive deadlines;Experience working both independently and with a team;Ability to multi-task and adapt quickly to changing priorities;Experience in the use of Word, Excel, and databases;Demonstrated drive and initiative with a professional approach. |