Senior Specialist, Environmental Permitting (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy•Westwood, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Specialist, Environmental Permitting is responsible for environmental permitting, due diligence, and regulatory compliance for major or complex energy infrastructure projects, including construction and maintenance of electric transmission and distribution lines and natural gas pipelines. The role manages or leads environmental projects under federal, state, and local permitting programs, with a focus on Massachusetts and experience in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Connecticut. The position involves planning, cost estimating, scheduling, and implementing environmental work, with latitude to exercise initiative and independent judgment in support of corporate environmental policies and goals. The role represents the Environmental Affairs Department on project teams to support compliance across the Eversource system. It conducts environmental assessments and permitting and manages soil and groundwater matters; responds to environmental requirements or incidents; attends public meetings and hearings; and oversees consultants and contracts. The Senior Specialist monitors regulatory developments and communicates environmental requirements throughout the organization. This position follows a hybrid schedule, with at least three office days per week, including Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and may require up to five days in the office. Employees may also be assigned emergency restoration work outside normal responsibilities, hours, and location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource, Ecology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least five years of experience with environmental permitting processes in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and/or Connecticut.
Experience managing or leading projects under federal permitting programs, including Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, NPDES SWPPP and SPCC compliance, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permitting and Section 7/10 conformance, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service endangered-species requirements.
Experience with state permitting programs regulating soil and groundwater disposal, water quality, wetlands and waterways, endangered or protected species, and historical or archaeological resources.
Experience with local permitting programs, such as conservation commissions and zoning boards.
Clear understanding of municipal, state, and federal environmental regulations, permitting, and policy in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or New Hampshire.
Excellent communication skills and ability to think on one’s feet.
Technical writing skills, including the ability to recognize and resolve problems in technical communications.
Ability to work independently and professionally with project teams, attorneys, outside consultants, other utilities, and regulatory agency staff.
General knowledge of applicable regulatory, engineering, and construction procedures; knowledge of the energy delivery power system; and ability to use information technology and Eversource office automation systems.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to work up to five days in the office when required and to assist with emergency response assignments outside normal responsibilities, work hours, or location.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing expert witness testimony related to siting energy infrastructure, including before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and Energy Facilities Siting Board.
Understanding of Energy Facilities Siting Board siting and permitting reform processes.
Energy-utility environmental permitting experience.
Professional certification such as PWS, CPESC, CESSWI, or Forester.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 40-hour wetland delineation and regulatory training.
Working knowledge of GIS.

Responsibilities

Plan, estimate costs for, schedule, and implement environmental work for transmission and distribution utility projects.
Manage or lead environmental permitting and compliance projects under applicable federal, state, and local programs.
Take appropriate action in response to environmental requirements or incidents to minimize liability and ensure compliance.
Conduct environmental assessments and permitting, and manage soil and groundwater matters.
Attend public meetings and hearings and oversee contracts and consultants providing related services.
Monitor governmental organizations and regulatory agencies for new rules, regulations, laws, and policies.
Communicate environmental requirements throughout the organization.
Represent the Environmental Affairs Department on project teams and support environmental compliance throughout the Eversource system.