Construction Specialist

We are seeking an Environmental Construction Specialist to work on Electric Utility Construction Projects. This is a field position requiring experience with environmental compliance in relation to land clearing and linear construction projects. We are looking for an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors and values the freedom of working independently.

About the role

As an Environmental Construction Specialist, you will provide environmental compliance and construction oversight on transmission site development and linear transmission line projects for Duke Energy. You will ensure compliance with laws and regulations, perform inspections, and maintain good public relations while working in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance
  • Provide environmental compliance and construction oversight on transmission site development and linear transmission line projects.
  • Ensure compliance with NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) and SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan).
  • Oversee compliance with wetland access, protected species, wood and debris disposal, site control, and soil disturbance regulations.
  • Ensure field operations comply with permits, including road use, natural resource protection, and Corp of Engineers permits.
  • Document pre- and post-work field conditions to verify compliance with permits and environmental regulations.
• Field Operations
  • Perform erosion, sediment, stormwater management, and pollution prevention inspections for construction projects.
  • Interpret complex plans and drawings.
  • Maintain good public relations while performing duties.
• 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 compliance with approved plans.
  • Ensure crews are aware of wetlands and sensitive areas before entering such locations.
• Stakeholder & Public Relations
  • Monitor and report project status, including estimated and actual units billed.
  • 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
  • Drive a company vehicle safely 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 NPDES Construction General Permit (CGP) and SWPPP implementation and inspections.
• Certifications (location-specific):
  • Florida: Successfully completed the Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector (FSESCI) certification for FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection).
  • Carolinas: Successfully completed a Stormwater, Erosion Control Inspector Training Program (e.g., CESSWI, CEPSCI) for NCDEQ (North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality).
  • Midwest (Indiana): Successfully completed a Stormwater, Erosion Control Inspector Training Program (e.g., CESSWI).
• Desire to work outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• 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) book knowledge.
• CESSWI (Certified Erosion and Sediment/Stormwater Inspector) certification.
• Previous construction crew oversight experience.
• GIS experience.
• Strong knowledge of ANSI Z133 safety standards.
• Military background (a plus).
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) (a plus).

Working Environment

• Work with a team and alone, primarily outdoors in field environments and/or low-light conditions.
• Foot patrol of energy corridors near power lines and pipelines in remote, urban, or city environments.
• Physical demands and travel from site to site, 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 (snow, ice, fog, humidity, high/low temperatures).
  • Exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic/wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants.
• Occasional work in a vehicle or limited time in an indoor office.

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/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 assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Verbally communicate to exchange information with the public.
• See and hear within normal range (with or without correction).
• Operate field equipment, including handheld computers, range finders, fyrakes, water backpacks, shovels, and traffic cones.

Benefits

• Industry-competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with fuel card for work purposes.
• Day 1 Benefits (Full-Time Employees):
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 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 Overview

ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful 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 have a good driving record. AMS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.