New Generation SMR Renewables Project & Compliance

About the role

Candidate will be responsible for working as a fully engaged and integral part of our environmental and project teams to support new generation project diligence and permitting including Small Nuclear Reactor (SMR) and other nuclear technologies, and renewable energy (wind, solar, battery storage, etc.) and providing ongoing environmental permitting and compliance support to SMR, renewable, hydroelectric, and other generating assets.

Engages in regulatory development activities, as well as environmental research related to nuclear and renewables.

Candidate will exhibit advanced proficiency and knowledge that enables the specialist to serve as a leader within the assigned organization.

Responsibilities

• Conducts due diligence reviews of new generation projects for acquisition, prepares diligence reports, identifies potential environmental risks and effectively communicates those risks to the team manager, senior management and other project stakeholders within AEP.
• Interfaces with internal team and project developer throughout planning and construction of the new asset.
• Scope and coordinate environmental field studies (e.g. terrestrial and aquatic species surveys, habitat assessments, wetland and waters delineations, historic and cultural resource surveys, etc.) to support initial site investigation activities and baseline studies to support NRC licensing and NEPA documentation.
• Oversee and review the preparation of environmental permits and consultations associated with initial development activities at nuclear projects.
• Support Nuclear Regulatory Commission Early Site Permit and/or Construction Permit applications and supporting documentation, including NEPA.
• Develops operational strategies at renewable projects to avoid and minimize project risks and ensures those strategies are timely implemented.
• Strategies include, but are not limited to, development of operational wildlife conservation plans, scopes and oversees post-construction studies, develops and conducts training, and supports operational staff with implementation of compliance programs as needed.
• Leads, facilitates and coordinates work activities of others within the group or those external to the company (e.g., consultants) as required.
• Provides permit and compliance support to AEP hydroelectric facilities, including FERC license and relicensing support.
• Interacts and builds working relationships with federal and state resource agency staff.
• Actively participates in renewable industry regulatory and research organizations.
• Tracks and occasionally develops comments on proposed rulemakings, compliance strategies and other regulatory guidance.
• Identifies and initiates appropriate corrective actions when objectives are not being met.
• Develops, reviews and prepares reports on complex technical subjects clearly, concisely and effectively, in a manner suitable for presentation to management, professional societies, regulatory bodies, agencies or organizations, including other similar peer and/or industry groups.
• Develops and implements standards of work as it relates to the group’s activities and continually seeks process improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (environmental science, biology, chemistry, natural resources, or ecology or related field)
• Minimum of 6 years of environmental experience
• Available to work overtime, call-out overtime and shift work, as required
• Travel requirements are expected 10-25%
• Physical demand level is Sedentary
• Individuals with a Master's or Doctorate degree may be considered for entry into the organization at this level
• Registration in recognized associations and organizations for environmental professionals is encouraged
• 40 hours per week with some overtime required
• Periodic travel required

Qualifications

• Strong desire to support all phases of new generation facilities (due diligence through operational support)

Skills

• Advanced proficiency and knowledge in environmental science and regulations
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with regulatory processes and environmental permitting
• Knowledge of environmental laws and policies

Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Pay

Environmental Specialist Sr - SG7: $87,633 - $116,847
Environmental Specialist Principle - SG8: $98,993 - $138,588
Environmental Specialist Consultant - SG9: $116,255 - $162,758

Schedule

40 hours per week with some overtime required.
Periodic travel required.