Environmental Specialist/Analyst

Southern Company•Atlanta, GA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing consultation, permitting, coordination and support to all of Georgia Power’s business units where construction, operations and maintenance activities may affect cultural resources, including archaeological and historic features, that may be on or near Georgia Power’s property, easements, and existing or planned activities. This position will investigate resources and needs, develop company strategy, negotiate solutions, draft and implement agreements, and facilitate compliance with laws, regulations and associated cultural resource management plans. Specific responsibilities will include due diligence investigations, project planning, conducting archival research, determining the need for cultural resource surveys, overseeing archaeological and historic investigations to support project feasibility studies, assessing permitting requirements associated with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Appendix C, National Historic Preservation Act Section 106, Georgia Cemetery Law, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) guidelines, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydro relicensing, Title 22 of the Official Code of Georgia and other applicable regulations. The analyst/specialist will determine compliant and cost-effective avoidance and/or permitting and mitigation strategies with respect to cultural resources for Georgia Power projects. Responsibilities may also include directing and coordinating consultation with state and federal agency personnel, federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations, developing solutions and negotiating with stakeholders. Responsibilities will also include reviewing and selecting appropriate cultural resource consultants for desktop and field investigations, report preparation/review and ensuring quality work products are provided to Georgia Power, as well as reviewing and approving consultant bid packages and invoices for contracted work. Coordination of this program involves extensive teamwork and communication with internal customers, regulatory agencies, cultural resources consultants, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Advanced degree in history, archeology, anthropology, or closely related discipline
Five or more years of experience leading cultural resources surveys and investigation, preferably including both archaeological and historical resources
Experience coordinating with governing agencies such as SHPO, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FERC, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources on cultural resources surveys, avoidance and mitigation strategies.
Experience with governing regulations, including USACE Appendix C, National Historic Preservation Act and Georgia Cemetery Law among others
Cultural resource evaluations and USACE Appendix C/NHPA Section 106 permitting and compliance on linear projects (road and/or utility) and stand-alone construction activities
Experience utilizing Georgia's Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources GIS (GNAHRGIS) and other online resources for archaeological and historic information.
Experience with Historic Preservation Division Archaeological Assessment Report Guidelines and Components (2001) and the Georgia Council of Professional Archaeologists’ Georgia Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations (2019)
Ability to synthesize technical information and communicate in a manner suitable for technical and non-technical audiences
Working knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations and professional guidelines with respect to archaeological and historic resources
Excellent oral and written (business and technical) communication skills
Judgement skills necessary to make decisions, solve problems and implement solutions
Strong organizing, planning and scheduling skills with the ability to manage and track numerous projects
Maintain the National Park Service’s Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology
Proficient with GIS software
Ability to serve as an expert witness up to and including provision of testimony at hearings
Ability to drive vehicles on and off-road; occasional overnight travel is required
Ability to work independently and on teams, without direct supervision, outside normal business hours and outdoors in a variety of weather and field conditions
Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with Southern Company values, Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance and Total Commitment
Self-directed with strong initiative and proactive, solution-oriented approach
Effective interpersonal and relationship building skills that facilitate teamwork across business units
Works as a team player and takes personal responsibility for successes and failures
Must have at least one year of verifiable driving experience
Must hold a valid driver’s license for the class vehicle to be operated.
Must have no revocation of driving privileges within the 36 months prior to application, no convictions of major traffic violations (DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, etc.) within the 12 months prior to application, or any pending charges for a major traffic violation at the time of application.
Must consent to a continuous monitoring of your Motor Vehicle Record

Nice To Haves

Certifications and specialized training is a plus

Responsibilities

Providing consultation, permitting, coordination and support to all of Georgia Power’s business units where construction, operations and maintenance activities may affect cultural resources.
Investigating resources and needs, developing company strategy, negotiating solutions, drafting and implementing agreements, and facilitating compliance with laws, regulations and associated cultural resource management plans.
Conducting due diligence investigations, project planning, archival research, and determining the need for cultural resource surveys.
Overseeing archaeological and historic investigations to support project feasibility studies.
Assessing permitting requirements associated with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Appendix C, National Historic Preservation Act Section 106, Georgia Cemetery Law, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) guidelines, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydro relicensing, Title 22 of the Official Code of Georgia and other applicable regulations.
Determining compliant and cost-effective avoidance and/or permitting and mitigation strategies with respect to cultural resources for Georgia Power projects.
Directing and coordinating consultation with state and federal agency personnel, federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations, developing solutions and negotiating with stakeholders.
Reviewing and selecting appropriate cultural resource consultants for desktop and field investigations, report preparation/review and ensuring quality work products are provided to Georgia Power.
Reviewing and approving consultant bid packages and invoices for contracted work.
Coordinating the program through teamwork and communication with internal customers, regulatory agencies, cultural resources consultants, and external stakeholders.