Natural Resource Specialist I/II

APS • Flagstaff, AZ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.  SummaryThe Natural Resource Specialist I at APS assists the APS Forestry and Special Program's vegetation management operations to ensure that the department's projects comply with the company's overall goals and objectives and all applicable laws and regulations. As the Natural Resource Specialist you will: 

Depending on specialty, may be required to interface with regulatory personnel; conduct field surveys for threatened, endangered and sensitive plant and animal species and address habitat concerns.
Research threatened, endangered and sensitive species life history and apply applicable mitigations to projects to protect and preserve these species and their habitats.
Perform in-field inspections concerning the effectiveness of field operations which may include evaluating work performance and the company's compliance with applicable laws, industry standards, environmental regulations involving SHPO, USFWS, USFS, NEPA, FERC, DOT, ANSI, OSHA, Arizona Pest Control Commission requirements, APS safety standards and the APS Vegetation Management Manual.

Environmental factors:

Subject to work hours outside of a normal work schedule and outdoors during inclement weather situations.

travel is typically 10-15% 

Periodically prone to dangers inherent to work sites including exposure to sharp, high-speed rotating equipment, electrical fields, falling and flying debris, difficult terrain, pesticides, and animal, insect, and snake bites.
Involves driving throughout the service territory and frequent overnight travel.
Additional duties may include evening and weekend duty.

Requirements

• BS in Archaeology, Biology, Botany, Wildlife or related environmental sciences with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Must have adequate academic credentials to satisfy requirements of U.S.D.A. Forest Service to conduct cultural resource and/or biological assessments concerning threatened and endangered species.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Computer experience using ArcView, MS Word, Excel and Access.
• Must have an aptitude for public relations and interpersonal communications and demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and environmental stewardship.
• BS in Archaeology, Biology, Botany, Wildlife or related environmental sciences with 5 years of documented related experience with 2 of the 5 years providing similar services for an electric utility.
• Must have adequate academic credentials to satisfy requirements of U.S.D.A. Forest Service to conduct cultural resource and/or biological assessments concerning threatened and endangered species and a comprehensive knowledge of pertinent environmental laws.

Nice To Haves

• ISA Certified Arborist and Utility Specialist certifications, USFWS Sub-permittee registration and applicable Arizona State Pesticide certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Under daily supervision and daily review, responsible for providing input regarding plans and programs which have a significant impact on the performance of the business unit
• Provide support to overall directives and performance expectations in compliance with the company's Accident Prevention Manual and labor contract.
• Conduct habitat and species-specific field surveys and research, as necessary, to support biological assessments surveys on company rights-of-way to meet agency and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to the Endangered Species Act. Prepare Biological Assessments and Biological Evaluations.
• Oversee and/or conduct cultural resource surveys on company rights-of-way to meet requirements of the State Historic Preservation Office.
• Author biological assessments and archaeological reports in support of the division's work plans and goals.
• Assist in providing technical expertise, instruction and assistance to field personnel.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of environmental and industry regulations and technology through professional reading attendance at seminars and participation in professional organizations.
• Participate in implementation and continuation of the company's Raptor Protection Program.
• Develop and maintain GIS applications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees