Senior Specialist, Environmental Permitting (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Eversource in Massachusetts is seeking a Senior Environmental Permitting Specialist to lead environmental planning and compliance for major energy infrastructure projects, including transmission and distribution lines and natural gas pipelines.

The role requires extensive knowledge of federal, state and local permitting programs, strong technical writing, and the ability to work with project teams, attorneys, consultants and regulators.

Qualifications

• Clear understanding of municipal, state, and federal environmental regulations, permitting and policy.
• Excellent communications skills and the ability to "think on your feet" are required.
• Must have technical writing skills and work independently with project teams, attorneys, consultants, utilities and regulators.
• Experience managing environmental permitting programs under federal and state programs, plus local permitting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of environmental planning, cost estimating, scheduling, and implementation for transmission and distribution projects.
• Respond to environmental requirements or incidents to minimize liability and ensure compliance.
• Conduct environmental assessments, permitting, soil and groundwater management.
• Attend public meetings/hearings and oversee contracts for services.
• Monitor regulatory agencies for new rules and policies.
• Communicate environmental requirements across the organization.

Skills

Environmental regulations

Technical writing

Independent work

Regulatory compliance

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

Eversource will not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B, O-1, J-1, TN, E-3, etc.). Applicants requiring visa sponsorship to start employment with Eversource will not be considered.

Eversource supports work-life balance by offering hybrid schedules for certain roles. Eligibility is based on job responsibilities, operational needs, nature of work and team dynamics. Current guidelines require employees to workat least three days in the office, includingTuesdays and Wednesdays, with the third day set by the employee and supervisor based on department needs. These guidelines apply to roles approved for remote work and are subject to change, based on managerial discretion and work performance. All applicants must be able to workup to five days in the office if needed (for example: emergencies, training, or other business needs) or should the policy change

You will be responsible for environmental permitting, due diligence and regulatory compliance related to work on major or complex energy infrastructure projects, including the construction and maintenance of electric transmission and distribution lines and natural gas pipelines.

The Senior level requires experience in managing or leading environmental projects under Federal Permitting Programs regulated under, or by, the Clean Water Act (e.g., Sections 401 & 404, NPDES SWPPP and SPCC Compliance), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Section 404 Permitting and Section 7/10 Conformance), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (endangered species); and Massachusetts State Permitting Programs regulating soil and groundwater disposal, water quality, wetlands/waterways, Endangered/Protected Species, and Historical/Archeological Resources. Local permitting programs experience required (e.g., conservation commissions, zoning boards).Experience providing expert witness testimony preferred, as it relates to the siting of energy infrastructure (MA Dept of Public Utility and Energy Facility Siting Board).

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for all phases of the environmental planning, cost estimating, scheduling, and implementation of transmission and distribution utility projects with latitude for exercising initiative and independent decision making in support of the corporate environmental policies and goals.
• Takes appropriate actions to respond to environmental requirements or incidents to minimize environmental liability and ensure compliance.
• Conducts environmental assessments, permitting, soil and groundwater management.
• Attends public meetings and hearings and provide oversight of contracts and consultants for such services.
• Monitors governmental organizations and regulatory agencies for new rules, regulations, laws and policies.
• Communicates environmental requirements throughout the organization.
• Ensure environmental compliance throughout the Eversource System by representing the Environmental Affairs Department on project teams.

Qualifications:

Technical Knowledge/Skill:

• Clear understanding of municipal, state, and federal environmental regulations, permitting and policy in Massachusetts, Connecticut or New Hampshire.
• Excellent communications skills and the ability to "think on your feet" are required.
• Must have technical writing skills, including the ability to recognize and resolve problems in technical communications; and can work independently and professionally with project teams, their attorneys, outside consultants, other utilities and regulatory agency staff.
• Requires experience in managing or leading environmental projects under Federal Permitting Programs regulated under, or by, the Clean Water Act (e.g., Sections 401 & 404, NPDES SWPPP and SPCC Compliance), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Section 404 Permitting and Section 7/10 Conformance), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (endangered species); and State Permitting Programs regulating soil and groundwater disposal, water quality, wetlands/waterways, Endangered/Protected Species, and Historical/Archeological Resources. Local permitting programs experience required (e.g., conservation commissions, zoning boards).
• Understanding of EFSB siting and permitting reform processes desired.General knowledge of applicable regulatory, engineering, and construction procedures; knowledge of the energy delivery power system; and the ability to utilize information technology and the use of Eversource Energy's office automation systems is required.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource, Ecology, or related field required or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Five (5) plus years of experience with environmental permitting processes in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and/or Connecticut required.
• Energy-utility environmental permitting experience, preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification (PWS, CPESC, CESSWI, Forester etc.) highly desired.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 40-hour wetland delineation and regulatory training preferred. A working knowledge of GIS preferred.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license required.

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Competencies:

Build trusting relationships

Manage and develop people

Foster teamwork and cross-functional collaboration

Lead change

Communicate strategic vision

Create an engaged workforce

Focus on the customer

Take ownership & accountability

Compensation and Benefits:

Eversource offers a competitive total rewards program.Check out our careers site for an overview of our benefits programs. Salary is commensurate with your experience. This position is eligible for a potential incentive.The annual salary range for this position is:

Worker Type: Regular

Number of Openings: 1

Emergency Response: Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor