Construction Specialist

About the role

We are seeking an Environmental Construction Specialist to work on Electric Utility Construction Projects. This is a field position requiring experience with environmental compliance related to land clearing and linear construction projects. We value candidates who are energetic, enjoy working outdoors, and thrive in independent work environments.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance
  • Provide environmental compliance and construction oversight on transmission site development and linear transmission line projects for Duke Energy.
  • Oversee compliance and inspections for Transmission Capital Projects, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
  • Ensure compliance with laws and regulations for wetland access, protected species, wood and debris disposal, site control, and soil disturbance.
  • Verify compliance with permits, including road use permits, natural resource protection act permits, and Corp of Engineers permits.
  • Document pre- and post-work field conditions to ensure compliance with permits and environmental regulations, identifying any conditions requiring mitigation or restoration.
• Field Operations
  • Perform erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and pollution prevention inspections for construction projects.
  • Interpret complex plans and drawings.
  • Maintain good public relations through professional conduct.
• Crew Oversight
  • Attend pre-construction, constructability, and status meetings as directed.
  • Manage and oversee site development crews.
  • Provide oversight for sediment and erosion control contractors to ensure Best Management Practices (BMP) are installed per approved plans.
  • Ensure wetlands and sensitive areas are identified and crews are aware of them before entering such areas.
• Stakeholder & Public Relations
  • Monitor and report project status, including estimated and actual units billed, to project management.
  • Communicate daily with utility clients, contractors, landowners, and the public.
• Subject Matter Expert Consulting
  • Assist in developing recommendations for future Right-of-Way (R-O-W) maintenance requirements.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Safely drive a company vehicle to work locations.
  • Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Construction Management, Building Science, or a related field.
• 1-5 years’ experience in site development work or permitting utility construction.
• Solid understanding of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP) and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) implementation and inspections.
• Certifications:
  • Florida: Successfully completed the Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector (FSESCI) certification for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
  • Carolinas: Successfully completed a Stormwater, Erosion Control Inspector Training Program, CESSWI (Certified Erosion and Sediment/Stormwater Inspector), Certified Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control Inspector (CEPSCI), or similar competency program for North Carolina/South Carolina.
  • Midwest (Indiana): Successfully completed a Stormwater, Erosion Control Inspector Training Program, CESSWI, or similar competency program.
• Desire to work outdoors in various weather conditions and terrains.
• Strong public relations skills and ability to interface with the public.
• Willingness to work independently.
• Basic computer skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Substantial background in Electric Transmission Construction, Pipeline, or Utility fields.
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) expertise.
• CESSWI (Certified Erosion and Sediment/Stormwater Inspector) certification.
• Previous construction crew oversight experience.
• GIS experience.
• Strong knowledge of ANSI Z133 safety standards.
• Military background is a plus.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) is a plus.

Working Environment

Work primarily in an outdoor field environment, often alone or with a team. Conditions include:

• Foot patrol of energy corridors near power lines and pipelines in remote, urban, or city environments.
• Travel between sites, including walking/hiking on various surfaces (flat, dry, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills, slopes, dense vegetation).
• Exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and extreme weather conditions (snow, ice, fog, humidity, high/low temperatures).
• Exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic/wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants.
• Limited indoor office work; primarily vehicle-based or field-based.

Physical Requirements

• Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment.
• Walk up to 10 miles per day; stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods.
• Frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and perform repetitive hand, arm, and shoulder movements (e.g., forcefully beating down brush).
• Carry, push, or pull light to heavy weights (frequently up to 10 lbs., occasionally up to 60 lbs., e.g., sandbags).
• Operate field equipment, including handheld computers, range finders, fyrakes, water backpacks, shovels, and traffic cones.
• Ability to verbally communicate and exchange information with the public.
• Normal vision and hearing (with or without correction).

Benefits

• Day 1 of Employment (Full-Time Employees):
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • VOYA retirement planning.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• After 3 Months:
  • 401K retirement plan.
  • Life insurance.
  • Short- and long-term disability.
  • Vacation accrual.
  • Paid maternity leave.
• Paid sick time.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• Referral bonus program and performance incentive bonuses.
• Boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees).
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.
• Company vehicle with fuel card for work purposes.

Company Overview

ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Professionals at AMS come from diverse backgrounds, including forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, and geography.

Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and criminal background check. All candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record. AMS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.