Senior Environmental Specialist - Transmission and Distribution

AES • Indianapolis, IN

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Environmental Specialist will be responsible for leading all aspects of and handling environmental permitting activities for a large number of electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) construction projects for AES Indiana and AES Ohio. Projects can include transmission and distribution lines (new and rebuilt), substations (new and expansion), laydown yards, storage facilities, and other associated infrastructure projects. This role also involves supporting and reviewing environmental permitting activities for electricity generation projects, preparing and submitting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and coordinating qualified environmental consultants for various environmental services, developing or enhancing management and permitting programs and standards, and providing environmental due diligence, emergency response, and waste support to the T&D teams. The specialist will interact with local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as T&D Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) personnel and contractors to ensure permit compliance. Additional responsibilities include supporting AES Indiana Planning, Siting, and Outreach teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or related science-related field from an accredited college/university.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of recent environmental construction permitting or oversight of permitting in Indiana and Ohio.
• Experience, knowledge, and familiarity with environmental construction permitting, including CWA 404; CWA 401; nationwide permits; stormwater construction permitting; floodway/floodplain permitting; drainage easement requirements; and local permitting requirements. This includes experience, knowledge, and familiarity with underlying regulations and laws applicable to these types of permits.
• Experience, knowledge, and familiarity with various regulatory consultations, including federal and state rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), and cultural resources management, including the application of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Experience, knowledge, and familiarity with the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard Practice ASTM E1527-21. This includes experience, knowledge, and familiarity with underlying regulations and laws applicable to these types of permits.
• Ability to work under pressure within deadlines and while handling multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse group.
• Self-driven, results-oriented with a clear focus on high-quality outcomes and business success.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Willingness to work in a union environment.
• Motivated self-starter who can function with minimum supervision.
• Valid Indiana or Ohio driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or related science-related field from an accredited college/university.
• Experience in environmental construction permitting specific to electricity T&D and renewable energy.
• Experience working with the City of Indianapolis and obtaining drainage permits through the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.
• Experience in land acquisition environmental due diligence and CERCLA is preferred; experience in RCRA and waste management.

Responsibilities

• Leading all aspects of and handling environmental permitting activities for electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) construction projects for AES Indiana and AES Ohio.
• Supporting and reviewing environmental permitting activities for electricity generation projects.
• Preparing and submitting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and coordinating qualified environmental consultants for various environmental services.
• Developing or enhancing management and permitting programs and standards for prioritizing, assessing, and obtaining permits.
• Providing environmental due diligence, emergency response, and waste support to the T&D teams.
• Interacting with local, state, and federal government agencies regarding associated environmental matters of T&D projects.
• Interacting and coordinating with the T&D Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Analyst and T&D personnel and contractors to ensure that permit compliance requirements are fully communicated.
• Supporting AES Indiana Planning, Siting, and Outreach teams with various projects and initiatives.

What This Job Offers

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