Environmental Specialist/Analyst

Job Summary

This position is responsible for providing consultation, permitting, coordination and support to all of Georgia Power’s business units where construction, operations and maintenance activities may affect cultural resources, including archaeological and historic features, that may be on or near Georgia Power’s property, easements, and existing or planned activities.

About the Role

The analyst/specialist will investigate resources and needs, develop company strategy, negotiate solutions, draft and implement agreements, and facilitate compliance with laws, regulations and associated cultural resource management plans.

Responsibilities

• Investigate resources and needs
• Develop company strategy
• Negotiate solutions
• Draft and implement agreements
• Facilitate compliance with laws, regulations and associated cultural resource management plans
• Due diligence investigations
• Project planning
• Conducting archival research
• Determine the need for cultural resource surveys
• Oversight of archaeological and historic investigations to support project feasibility studies
• Assessing permitting requirements associated with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Appendix C, National Historic Preservation Act Section 106, Georgia Cemetery Law, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) guidelines, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydro relicensing, Title 22 of the Official Code of Georgia and other applicable regulations
• Determine compliant and cost-effective avoidance and/or permitting and mitigation strategies with respect to cultural resources for Georgia Power projects
• Coordination of this program involves extensive teamwork and communication with internal customers, regulatory agencies, cultural resources consultants, and external stakeholders

Requirements

• Advanced degree in history, archeology, anthropology, or closely related discipline
• Certifications and specialized training is a plus
• Five or more years of experience leading cultural resources surveys and investigation, preferably including both archaeological and historical resources
• Experience coordinating with governing agencies such as SHPO, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FERC, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources on cultural resources surveys, avoidance and mitigation strategies
• Experience with governing regulations, including USACE Appendix C, National Historic Preservation Act and Georgia Cemetery Law among others
• Cultural resource evaluations and USACE Appendix C/NHPA Section 106 permitting and compliance on linear projects (road and/or utility) and stand-alone construction activities
• Experience utilizing Georgia's Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources GIS (GNAHRGIS) and other online resources for archaeological and historic information
• Experience with Historic Preservation Division Archaeological Assessment Report Guidelines and Components (2001) and the Georgia Council of Professional Archaeologists’ Georgia Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations (2019)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to synthesize technical information and communicate in a manner suitable for technical and non-technical audiences
• Working knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations and professional guidelines with respect to archaeological and historic resources
• Excellent oral and written (business and technical) communication skills
• Judgement skills necessary to make decisions, solve problems and implement solutions
• Strong organizing, planning and scheduling skills with the ability to manage and track numerous projects
• Maintain the National Park Service’s Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology
• Proficient with GIS software
• Ability to serve as an expert witness up to and including provision of testimony at hearings
• Ability to drive vehicles on and off-road; occasional overnight travel is required
• Ability to work independently and on teams, without direct supervision, outside normal business hours and outdoors in a variety of weather and field conditions

Behavioral Requirements

• Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with Southern Company values, Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance and Total Commitment
• Self-directed with strong initiative and proactive, solution-oriented approach
• Effective interpersonal and relationship building skills that facilitate teamwork across business units
• Works as a team player and takes personal responsibility for successes and failures

Job Location

Georgia Power Headquarters; 241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30308;

Company Information

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. Job Identification: 20038 Job Category: Environmental & Forestry Job Schedule: Full time