Natural Resource Specialist I/II

APS•Tempe, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Natural Resource Specialist I/II provides support to 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. Depending on specialty, will 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.

Requirements

BS in Archaeology, Biology, Botany, Wildlife or related environmental sciences with 3 years of relevant experience (for Specialist I) or 5 years of documented related experience with 2 of the 5 years providing similar services for an electric utility (for Specialist II).
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.

Nice To Haves

ISA Certified Arborist and Utility Specialist certifications
USFWS Sub-permittee registration
Applicable Arizona State Pesticide certification
Comprehensive knowledge of pertinent environmental laws (for Specialist II)

Responsibilities

Provide 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.
Provide 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.
Assist in the planning and scheduling of Forestry and Special Program's crews and contractors in accordance with defined goals and the needs of the work. Provide technical expertise regarding field locations with biological and cultural resource restrictions and, where required, provide mitigation oversight of field operations.
Develop and conduct company training programs and public education programs related to biological and cultural resource regulations.