Environmental Specialist

Job Summary

This position is responsible for providing consultation, permitting, coordination and support to all of Georgia Power’s business units where construction and maintenance activities may affect a variety of environmental resources including freshwater wetlands, streams, salt marshes, state buffers, federal and state-protected species, migratory birds and other related features.

Responsibilities

• Provide information, guidance, permitting coordination and cost-effective compliance assistance to Georgia Power business units for Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act, EPD Stream Buffer Variance process and mitigation programs
• Understand GPC core business unit needs and processes; work with diverse teams to avoid natural resource impacts where practical and secure required permits when necessary
• Negotiate and resolve natural resource issues with state or federal agencies, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Georgia Department of Natural Resources the Environmental Protection Division and the Coastal Resources Division, and Georgia Department of Transportation
• Perform Program Reviews to assure compliance, enhance communication and implement environmental awareness
• Communicate technical issues effectively to customers, agencies and management
• Promote and support the Company’s environmental policies, conservation and stewardship in all areas of business and external engagement
• Drive continuous improvement in our technology and business processes
• Actively support the Company’s storm restoration and emergency response efforts

Job Location

Primary office location will be GPC Headquarters, 241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta, GA
In Office/Field 4 days per week
Position will support a combination of Metro Atlanta/Northeast/Central Georgia
Central Georgia consists of metro Atlanta, Conyers, Newnan, Macon.
North East Georgia consists of Dawsonville, Gainesville, Athens, Augusta.

Education Job Requirements

• BS in biological sciences, ecology, natural resource studies or related environmental field
• Professional certifications, such as Professional Wetland Scientist or Certified Ecologist, a plus
• Experience: Five or more years of experience working in the natural resources field; 3+ years experience in wetland and waters delineation; 3+ years experience in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act permitting and the Endangered Species Act; Permitting and compliance in linear and stand-alone construction activities; Experience with NEPA, wildlife management, aquatic biology, and/or fisheries biology, a plus
• Basic GIS use experience required

Behavior

• Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with Southern Company values, Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, Superior Performance
• 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
• Self-directed with strong initiative and proactive approach