Environmental Scientist-Inspector

Job Description and Duties

The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety’s Environmental Science Division seeks an Environmental Scientist to analyze performance with vegetation management commitments in electrical utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMP).

• Review regulatory filings and utility procedures.
• Analyze reported data.
• Perform audits.
• Conduct field inspections.
• Publish findings.
• Engage with utilities and interested parties.

Responsibilities

Inspect vegetation near electrical infrastructure, write inspection reports and plans to assess electrical corporation performance with approved Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) and other regulatory requirements of the Department associated with forestry, wildfire science, and the environment.

• Investigate concerns raised by external parties and other potential WMP deficiencies.
• Conduct critical and/or sensitive scientific investigations and studies.
• Prepare guidance, planning, or regulatory documents on issues of importance to the department.

Requirements

Organize and track inspection findings and identify issues found in the field, document the issues and elevate to the Supervisor with proposed recommendations.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external agency partners.
• Be the subject matter expert on vegetation management programs to assess electrical utility performance with approved WMPs and other regulatory requirements of the Department associated with forestry, wildfire science, climate change and the environment.

Qualifications

Knowledge of wildfire, vegetation management and/or forestry science and approaches to reducing wildfire risk.

• Experience performing inspections, documenting and communicating findings.
• Experience as a technical scientist working with members of the public, external stakeholders, and agency representatives.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present complex scientific findings to non-scientific audiences through written reports and presentations.
• Ability to coordinate with individuals from different professional backgrounds.
• Experience with regulatory processes and compliance and enforcement of regulations.
• Experience working under tight timelines.

Benefits

Flexible work schedule, comprehensive health insurance, retirement plan, and opportunities for professional development.

Pay

$80,000 - $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.