Natural Resource Specialist I/II

Eetdbuyersguide; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

APS is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist I/II to support Forestry and Special Programs vegetation management, ensuring projects meet laws and company goals.

You will conduct habitat and species surveys, prepare assessments, oversee cultural resource surveys, and provide technical guidance to field crews.

This role requires experience with environmental regulations, GIS, and strong teamwork to protect habitats and support company operations across the service territory.

Qualifications

• BS in Archaeology, Biology, Botany, Wildlife or related environmental sciences with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Must satisfy requirements of USDA Forest Service to conduct cultural and/or biological assessments for threatened species.
• ISA Certified Arborist and Utility Specialist certifications preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• ArcView, MS Word, Excel and Access experience required.

Responsibilities

• Provide input on plans and programs with significant business impact under weekly review.
• Support compliance with Accident Prevention Manual and labor contract.
• Conduct habitat and species surveys to meet regulatory requirements; prepare Biological Assessments/Evaluations.
• Oversee cultural resource surveys on rights-of-way to meet SHPO requirements.
• Prepare archaeological and biological reports in support of work plans and goals.
• Provide technical instruction to field personnel and maintain regulatory knowledge.
• Develop GIS applications and assist in planning Forestry crews and contractors.
• Offer training programs related to biological and cultural resource regulations.

Skills

Public relations

Interpersonal communications

Teamwork

Environmental stewardship

Education

BS in Archaeology, Biology, Botany, Wildlife or related environmental sciences

Tools

ArcView

MS Word

Excel

Access

Job description

Summary

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.

You will

• 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.

Environmental factors

• Subject to work hours outside of a normal work schedule and outdoors during inclement weather situations.
• Periodically prone to dangers inherent to work sites including exposure to sharp, high-speed rotating equipment, electrical fields, falling and flying debris, difficult terrain, pesticides, and animal, insect, and snake bites.
• Involves driving throughout the service territory and frequent overnight travel.
• Additional duties may include evening and weekend duty.

Minimum Requirements

Natural Resource Specialist I

• BS in Archaeology, Biology, Botany, Wildlife or related environmental sciences with 3 years of relevant experience.
• 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.
• ISA Certified Arborist and Utility Specialist certifications, USFWS Sub-permittee registration and applicable Arizona State Pesticide certification preferred.
• 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

Natural Resource Specialist II

• BS in Archaeology, Biology, Botany, Wildlife or related environmental sciences with 5 years of documented related experience with 2 of the 5 years providing similar services for an electric utility.
• 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 and a comprehensive knowledge of pertinent environmental laws.
• ISA Certified Arborist and Utility Specialist certifications, USFWS Sub-permittee registration and applicable Arizona State Pesticide certification preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Computer experience using ArcView, MS Word, Excel and Access.
• Must have a demonstrated aptitude for public relations and interpersonal communications and demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and environmental stewardship.

Major Accountabilities

1. With general direction and weekly review, responsible for providing input regarding plans and programs which have a significant impact on the performance of the business unit.
2. Provide support to overall directives and performance expectations in compliance with the company's Accident Prevention Manual and labor contract.
3. 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.
4. Oversee and/or conduct cultural resource surveys on company rights-of-way to meet requirements of the State Historic Preservation Office.
5. Author biological assessments and archaeological reports in support of the division's work plans and goals.
6. Provide technical expertise, instruction and assistance to field personnel.
7. Maintain up to date knowledge of environmental and industry regulations and technology through professional reading attendance at seminars and participation in professional organizations.
8. Participate in implementation and continuation of the company's Raptor Protection Program. Develop and maintain GIS applications.
9. 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.
10. Develop and conduct company training programs and public education programs related to biological and cultural resource regulations.