Transmission Line Siting Specialist

American Electric Power•Tulsa, OK

1d•$74,551 - $93,188•Onsite

About The Position

The Transmission Line Siting Specialist is responsible for siting activities for electric transmission line and substation projects, ranging from small projects to projects hundreds of miles long and spanning multiple states. The specialist applies expertise in environmental resource assessment, utility corridor siting, regulatory requirements, stakeholder interaction, permitting, and project management, and makes recommendations and decisions on siting and routing. The assigned region and states are based on the employee’s location. The position is on site in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or Shreveport, Louisiana. The specialist ensures siting work complies with company standards and applicable regulatory requirements; organizes studies and route selection to meet project schedules; oversees outsourced siting and regulatory approval work; and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to identify buildable, cost-effective routes that minimize environmental impacts. The role also includes preparing environmental assessments and siting studies, coordinating regulatory and local zoning applications, managing schedules, risks, and cost estimates, and participating in stakeholder meetings and public open houses. Travel is expected 25–30% of the time, including overnight travel for field work. The role may require driving 3–6 hours at a time, site visits, meetings with landowners, and occasional walking or hiking one to three miles. Extended hours may be required to meet assigned tasks and schedules. The physical demand level is sedentary, involving exertion of up to 10 pounds occasionally and sitting most of the time, with occasional walking or standing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Land Use Planning, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
A valid driver’s license.
Ability to rent a vehicle and drive 3–6 hours at a time for site visits, landowner meetings, open houses, or stakeholder meetings.
Ability to travel 25–30% of the time, including overnight travel to facilities and projects for field work.
Ability to handle multiple projects and assignments.
Ability to follow applicable safety procedures while traveling and working in the field.
Ability to hike or walk one to three miles on occasion.
May need to work extended hours to complete assigned tasks and meet requirements and schedules.

Nice To Haves

Two to four years of industry-related experience and/or education, with at least two years of direct siting experience preferred.
Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written, organizational, presentation, oral communication, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

Ensure transmission siting activities comply with company policies, practices, and standards, and with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and procedures.
Organize siting studies and proposed route selection activities to meet in-service dates and ensure compliance.
Oversee outsourced work related to siting and regulatory approvals for transmission lines and substations.
Work with multidisciplinary project teams to identify buildable, cost-effective routes and facilities that minimize environmental impacts, and liaise with other key team members.
Assist with and prepare written environmental assessments and siting studies for transmission facility projects.
Coordinate regulatory and local zoning applications, including writing, exhibits, testimony, interrogatories, and schedules.
Develop and monitor schedules for siting tasks and manage identified risks and cost estimates.
Participate in stakeholder meetings and public open houses.