Senior Environmental Specialist - Transmission and Distribution

AES Corporation is the largest US-based global power company, with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries. Ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, AES provides electricity for millions worldwide. The company fosters a strong workplace culture, recognized in Great Place to Work™ rankings, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 13 consecutive years. AES is also a seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards for global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.

About the role

The Senior Environmental Specialist will lead environmental permitting and management for electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) construction projects for AES Indiana and AES Ohio. This role operates under the general guidance of the Director of Global Environmental Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of environmental permitting activities for T&D construction projects, including transmission and distribution lines (new and rebuilt), substations (new and expansion), laydown yards, storage facilities, and associated infrastructure.
• Support and review environmental permitting activities for electricity generation projects.
• Prepare and submit Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and coordinate qualified environmental consultants for services such as:
  • Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments
  • Natural resources, ecological, and cultural resources site assessments
  • Permit applicability evaluations
  • Constructability assessments
  • Permit package preparation and transfer to compliance teams
• Develop or enhance management and permitting programs and standards for prioritizing, assessing, and obtaining permits, including both external and internal support.
• Provide environmental due diligence, emergency response, and waste support to T&D teams, including:
  • Determining environmental site conditions
  • Coordinating soil sampling and analysis
  • Evaluating results to determine remediation needs
  • Providing special instructions for design or construction
  • Coordinating disposal of equipment or contaminated soil with vendors and disposal sites
• Interact with local, state, and federal government agencies regarding environmental matters related to T&D projects.
• Coordinate with T&D Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Analysts, personnel, and contractors to ensure permit compliance, including inspections, recordkeeping, reporting, and permit termination.
• Support AES Indiana Planning, Siting, and Outreach teams with various projects and initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field from an accredited college/university.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of recent environmental construction permitting or oversight experience in Indiana and Ohio.
• Experience, knowledge, and familiarity with environmental construction permitting, including:
  • CWA 404 and CWA 401 permits
  • Nationwide permits
  • Stormwater construction permitting
  • Floodway/floodplain permitting
  • Drainage easement requirements
  • Local permitting requirements
• Experience with regulatory consultations, including:
  • Federal and state rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species
  • Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  • Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
  • Cultural resources management, including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
• Experience, knowledge, and familiarity with ASTM Standard Practice ASTM E1527-21 and related regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact with diverse groups.
• Self-driven, results-oriented with a focus on high-quality outcomes and business success.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Willingness to work in a union environment.
• Motivated self-starter who can function with minimum supervision.
• Valid Indiana or Ohio driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in environmental construction permitting specific to electricity T&D and renewable energy.
• Experience working with the City of Indianapolis and obtaining drainage permits through the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.
• Experience in land acquisition environmental due diligence, CERCLA, RCRA, and waste management.

Location

Primary location in Indianapolis, Indiana, or Dayton, Ohio. Some travel between the Indianapolis, IN area and the Dayton, OH area is required.