Environmental Analyst IV - Aquatic Biologist

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position plans, supervises, provides expertise/consultation, reviews progress, and evaluates results on projects and programs involving engineering, permitting, licensing, auditing, regulatory compliance, and/or environmental assessments to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental statutes and regulations. The role requires comprehensive knowledge of theories and principles, applying them creatively and effectively to a broad range of difficult and complex assignments. Under consultative direction, the individual will conduct important investigations requiring new approaches in the field, routinely serve on special work teams, and act as a lead person or technical advisor on medium to large projects. Assignments are typically self-initiated.

Requirements

BS/BA in environmental science, engineering, applied science, or related fields and six years of progressively more responsible environmental related work experience including, but not limited to environmental regulations, remedial procedures, audit procedures, and power generation processes.
Demonstrated skills in technical writing, verbal communication, and negotiations.
An Associate college degree in areas of environmental or applied science and three years of progressive responsibilities in related work experience may be substituted for the education requirement.
MS/MA/MBA can substitute for 2 years of related work experience.
PhD/JD can substitute for 3 years of related work experience.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in aquatic biology
Experience with Clean Water Act
Experience with industrial wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, dredging, wells and septic and sanitary sewer systems
Experience with scientific collection permits and state authorizations
Experience with aquatic invasive species compliance and monitoring programs
Experience mentoring interns and subject matter experts

Responsibilities

Administers and consults on complex programs designed to minimize deficiencies and ensure compliance with regulations and permits.
Directs site assessment/investigations/remediation projects as necessary, potentially including auditing, air permitting and compliance, water/wastewater permitting and compliance, land quality, radiological, above ground and underground storage tanks, emergency plans, DOT compliance, FAA safety regulations, and hazardous, liquid and solid waste disposal.
Negotiates and administers license and permit applications and response actions to ensure compliance with existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Performs as a regulatory liaison with federal, state, and local agencies.
Presents testimony at environmental hearings to support company position on environmental regulatory development.
Directs and/or conducts data collection, strategic studies, evaluations, and report development to support environmental regulatory requirements at Xcel facilities, including proposed legislation, emerging public issues, operating permit limits, and potential environmental regulatory noncompliance.
Develops training lesson plan content that meets Xcel Academy standards, maintains instructor qualifications, and provides regulatory compliance training to Xcel personnel.
Monitors outcomes of incidents, regulatory inspections, and internal audits of company-owned facilities, contractors, and/or outside disposal facilities, and conducts/assesses root cause analysis to ensure corrective actions adequately address problems and non-compliance conditions are not repeated.
Provides support for emergency environmental incidents as needed.
Monitors statutes, regulations, licenses, and/or permits for potential impacts to facility operations.
Reviews proposed regulations, licenses, and/or permits to determine potential impacts to facility operations, serving as the lead reviewer coordinating comments into a single company position recommendation.
Prepares requests for proposals, contract agreements, and project estimates.
Supports and/or selects and manages consultants and contractors.
Assists others in developing, refining, and implementing the strategic goals and objectives of Xcel Energy.
Contributes to process teams concerning budget and regulatory compliance.
Perform environmental sampling and laboratory testing to meet permit and compliance requirements.
Collect and evaluate water quality, fisheries, macroinvertebrate, plankton, and sediment data, and prepare reports for regulatory agencies.
Serve as the subject matter expert for water-related regulations, including the Clean Water Act and requirements for industrial wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, dredging, wells and septic and sanitary sewer systems.
Prepare, negotiate, administer, and implement wastewater discharge, water appropriation, and related environmental permits and compliance programs for electric generating facilities.
Maintain scientific collection permits and other state authorizations for environmental monitoring activities.
Lead aquatic invasive species compliance and monitoring programs, including permitting, compliance, and supporting chemical treatment.
Mentor college interns and organizational subject matter experts and coordinate daily field and laboratory activities.