Transmission Line Siting Specialist

American Electric Power•San Benito, TX

1d•$74,551 - $128,688•Onsite

About The Position

The role is responsible for siting activities for multi-million-dollar electric transmission line and substation projects, ranging from smaller projects to projects hundreds of miles long and crossing multiple states. The specialist works in designated regions and states based on location and applies expertise in environmental assessment, utility corridor siting, regulatory requirements, stakeholder interaction, permitting, and project management. The position is accountable for sound recommendations and decisions that support successful project siting and routing. The specialist coordinates siting studies and route selection, helps develop buildable and cost-effective routes and facilities that minimize environmental impacts, prepares environmental assessments and siting documentation, and coordinates regulatory and local zoning applications. The role also manages schedules, risks, cost estimates, outsourced siting work, and regulatory approvals. Regular stakeholder and public open-house participation is required. The posting describes three qualification levels: Specialist SG6, Senior SG7, and Principal SG8. A bachelor’s degree in a listed or related field is required for each level. The position is on-site and involves regional travel, overnight field work, and occasional extended hours. The physical demand level is sedentary, although some site visits involve walking or hiking one to three miles.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Environmental Science, Land Use Planning, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
For SG6: 2–4 years of industry-related experience and/or education; at least two years of direct siting experience is preferred.
For SG7: 4–6 years of industry-related experience and/or education; at least two years of direct siting experience is preferred.
For SG8: 6–8 years of total industry experience; 4–6 years of experience as a Senior Transmission Line Siting Specialist or equivalent is preferred.
Valid driver’s license is required for the SG6 level.
Ability to rent a vehicle and drive for 3–6 hours at a time to attend site visits, meet landowners, or participate in open houses and stakeholder meetings.
Ability to travel overnight to facilities and projects for field work.
Ability to hike or walk one to three miles on occasion.
Ability to handle multiple projects and assignments.
Travel requirements are expected to be 25–30% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written, organizational, presentation, oral communication, and time-management skills.
At least two years of direct siting experience for the SG6 and SG7 levels.
Four to six years of experience as a Senior Transmission Line Siting Specialist or equivalent for the SG8 level.

Responsibilities

Ensure transmission siting activities comply with company policies, practices, and standards, as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations and procedures.
Organize siting studies and proposed route selection activities to meet in-service dates and ensure compliance.
Oversee outsourced siting work and regulatory approvals for transmission lines and substations.
Work with a multidisciplinary project team and liaise with key team members to identify buildable, cost-effective routes and facilities that minimize environmental impacts.
Assist in preparing environmental assessments and written 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.