Environmental Planner

Hydro One Networks Inc•To Be Determined, ON

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This Environmental Planner role is part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting environmental management throughout the life-cycle of a strategic, capital and/or customer connect project. The work involves contracting environmental studies, supporting Environmental Assessments (EA), preparing environmental due diligence/effects reports, environmental protection plans, permitting, monitoring, and compliance for new electrical infrastructure (lines and stations) projects and large maintenance projects across Ontario. The role can be assigned responsibilities related to project planning services, computer applications, inventory methods, land use planning services, impact prediction studies, and environmental program coordination. Responsibilities include performing or assisting in environmental and land use analysis studies, preparing tendering specifications and budget requirements, and participating on committees. The planner may also be involved in reviews of external policies, legislation, and planning documents on behalf of Hydro One. This includes coordinating environmental study projects, analyzing land use and environmental implications, preparing recommendations for route and site alternatives, and mitigating environmental effects of constructing bulk transmission/transformation facilities. Additionally, the role may involve developing and maintaining computer applications for the planning process, analyzing and coordinating responses to proposed government land use policies, reviewing subdivision plans, and preparing/processing requests for Orders-in-Council and municipal approvals. Impact prediction studies to understand land use and environmental effects of Hydro One facilities, and improvement of methods for collecting environmental information are also part of the scope. The planner will carry out or assist in studies and planning for construction projects, coordinate smaller studies, and present responses, reports, and recommendations to senior management and other parties. The role also involves carrying out investigations, developing evidence, and appearing at formal hearings related to land use, environmental planning, and site selection. Contributing to project and corporate objectives through studies and negotiations with external personnel, preparing tendering specifications, evaluating tenders, and administering contracts are also key functions. Financial control for designated projects and representing the department at meetings are also required. Keeping abreast of the latest concepts in land use and environmental planning is essential.

Requirements

Knowledge of environmental sciences, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning or landscape architecture.
Knowledge of pertinent subjects such as ecological sciences, land economics, land uses, geography, agriculture, environmental assessment and planning theory.
Knowledge of computer technology and GIS.
Thorough knowledge of communication skills, both oral and written, for preparation, editing and presentation of standards, procedures and environmental assessments, and in dealing with both professional contacts and the general public.
Four year university education in environmental science, biology, planning, engineering or similar.
Experience in urban and regional planning, forestry, agriculture, etc., to become familiar with a range of aspects of land use and environmental planning and mitigation of construction impacts.
Experience to become familiar with environmental problems peculiar to utilities, the preparation and presentation of environmental assessments, and the construction of bulk transmission facilities.
Experience in conducting studies, preparing proposals and coordinating contract administration activities for minor projects or assigned components of major projects.
Experience in public presentation processes to ensure satisfactory communication with external contacts and the general public.
Experience with organizational interrelationships, standards, procedures and practices.
Following all Hydro One Inc. regulations and practices.
Over 4 years and up to and including 6 years of experience.

Responsibilities

Perform or assist in environmental and land use analysis studies and development.
Prepare tendering specifications and budget requirements.
Participate on committees.
Coordinate environmental study projects.
Analyze land use and environmental implications.
Prepare recommendations and reports on route and site alternatives.
Analyze specific environmental situations and prepare recommendations to mitigate environmental effects.
Develop and maintain computer applications associated with the planning process and automated processing of environmental and land use data.
Provide specialized training and advice where required.
Analyze and coordinate responses to proposed government land use policy, municipal official plans, zoning bylaws, and site plans.
Review and comment on property management proposals and plans of subdivision.
Review and analyze existing land use planning documents for environmental project planning.
Prepare and process requests for Orders-in-Council and municipal approvals required for projects.
Develop better understandings of land use and environmental effects from Hydro One facilities and activities.
Identify, compare, and select transmission route and site alternatives.
Improve methods for collecting and creating information about the environment and potential impacts.
Carry out minor or assist in carrying out major studies and planning for construction projects.
Coordinate smaller studies as directed.
Refer unusual problems and relatively important matters to supervisor for direction.
Participate in the preparation and presentation of comprehensive responses, reports, recommendations, and environmental assessment documents.
Appear before senior management and other interested parties in support of recommendations.
Carry out investigations, develop evidence, and appear at formal hearings including governmental and public participation processes.
Influence members at hearings to change recommendations in accordance with Hydro One's interests.
Contribute to securing, protecting, and advancing responsible project and corporate objectives.
Achieve mutual understanding or agreement and persuade external personnel to change their positions or adopt courses of action.
Prepare tendering specifications on departmental purchases or study contracts.
Carry out the evaluation of tenders and the awarding and administering of contracts.
Prepare information in accordance with budget requirements for designated projects or project components.
Be accountable for financial control as assigned.
Represent the department at meetings and on committees and task groups.
Keep abreast of latest concepts, theories, and development in the field of land use and environmental planning.
Perform other duties as required.