Environmental Specialist

Southern Company • Atlanta, GA

5d • 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 and maintenance activities may affect a variety of environmental resources including freshwater wetlands, streams, salt marshes, state buffers, federal and state-protected species, migratory birds and other related features. Responsibilities include wetlands and waters delineation, managing ecological surveys, GIS database preparation and data analysis, strategic coordination with internal customers and regulatory agencies, implementation of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and assuring compliance with CWA regulations. This position will interact frequently with internal customers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• BS in biological sciences, ecology, natural resource studies or related environmental field
• Five or more years of experience working in the natural resources field
• 3+ years experience in wetland and waters delineation
• 3+ years experience in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act permitting and the Endangered Species Act
• Permitting and compliance in linear and stand-alone construction activities
• Basic GIS use experience required
• Ability to drive vehicles on and off-road
• 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

• Professional certifications, such as Professional Wetland Scientist or Certified Ecologist, a plus
• Experience with NEPA, wildlife management, aquatic biology, and/or fisheries biology, a plus

Responsibilities

• Provide information, guidance, permitting coordination and cost-effective compliance assistance to Georgia Power business units for Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act, EPD Stream Buffer Variance process and mitigation programs
• Understand GPC core business unit needs and processes; work with diverse teams to avoid natural resource impacts where practical and secure required permits when necessary
• Negotiate and resolve natural resource issues with state or federal agencies, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Georgia Department of Natural Resources the Environmental Protection Division and the Coastal Resources Division, and Georgia Department of Transportation
• Perform Program Reviews to assure compliance, enhance communication and implement environmental awareness
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with Safety First, Intentional Inclusions, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance
• Produce high-quality work in an efficient manner, demonstrating initiative, personal responsibility, building internal and external relationships
• Review and comment on proposed regulatory changes to reduce impact to GPC's business units
• Communicate technical issues effectively to customers, agencies and management
• Promote and support the Company’s environmental policies, conservation and stewardship in all areas of business and external engagement
• Drive continuous improvement in our technology and business processes
• Actively support the Company’s storm restoration and emergency response efforts

Benefits

• Some 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level