Associate Environmental Specialist

Why you should join the team

The Environmental Specialist is responsible for supporting all phases of environmental planning, assessment, permitting and regulatory compliance associated with VELCO projects including, but not limited to, the construction and maintenance of electric transmission lines and substations, facilities, fiber optic lines, and radio sites. The Associate Environmental Specialist works with minimal supervision while exercising initiative and independent judgement in support of the corporate environmental and sustainability policies and goals.

VELCO is searching for one Environmental specialist but is open to both Associate and Midlevel candidates

How you will make an impact

• Work collaboratively with consultants and contractors to ensure timely deliverables while maintaining project budgets, schedules, and environmental compliance.
• Interact with stakeholders, specifically state and federal regulatory staff, regarding permitting efforts and regulatory changes in a professional manner that reflects VELCO’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Support the coordination and completion of comprehensive environmental and cultural resource assessments, contaminated site remediation, environmental permitting, construction oversight and compliance reporting.
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems to perform environmental impact assessments, update and maintain critical data, perform data analysis, etc.
• Applies in-depth knowledge of natural resources and environmental regulations with limited supervision to support project permitting, compliance, and corporate objectives.
• Support the VELCO Environmental Team and associated compliance program by developing and delivering trainings, responding to compliance events, developing response plans, and reviewing and submitting regulatory reporting.
• Maintains a collaborative working relationship with team members and contractors to ensure the successful performance of work in accordance with project plans, environmental permits, schedules, budgets and company requirements.
• Supports the development and implementation of environmental management systems and related compliance tools necessary for the success of the team and the company as a whole.
• Respond, when necessary and under the direction of the Manager of Environmental Sustainability, to VELCO Operations and Maintenance call-outs (which may, on occasion, occur during off duty hours) to events such as spills, compliance issues, emergency situations, etc.
• Supports the development of annual budgets and assists with monitoring expense and capital expenditures.

• Participates on project teams in alignment with company core values.
• Actively supports the company’s strategic initiatives in alignment with the company’s mission, vision, and values.
• Reports to the Manager of Environmental Sustainability on the status of permitting efforts, compliance obligations, corporate sustainability efforts and other deliverables as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Who you are

• A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, (or similar field) is required or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Hold or have the ability to obtain one or more professional certifications and/or licensure in relevant environmental fields highly desired, such as:
  • Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC)
• Certified Erosion, Sediment and StormWater Inspector (CESSWI)
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS)
• Certified Water Operator
• 40-Hour USACE Wetland Delineation Training
• 40-hour HAZWOPER, GIS Professional, or similar

Experience

Minimum one year of proven professional experience in the environmental sciences, such as natural resource surveys, Environmental Site Assessments, environmental permitting, and/or regulatory compliance oversight. Graduate level work may be substituted for professional experience.

Desired Knowledge/Skills

• Working knowledge of environmental/land use regulations, permitting, and compliance as they pertain to the development, construction, restoration, and operations of infrastructure projects.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Competent with Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)..

• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ability to perform basic work tasks using GIS, Global Position Systems (GPS), and/or Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems.

• Ability to support the scheduling, management, and execution of environmental work tasks, such as environmental assessments, regulatory submittals and hazardous material cleanup. Detail-oriented and accurate.
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification to operate a DOT regulated vehicle and be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws (CDL not required).

Physical/Mental Demands

• Significant time periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and withstand strenuous activities at times.
• Must be able to travel to various project sites throughout Vermont, with occasional overnight stays required.
• Must be able to access and navigate job/construction sites, including transmission line corridors and radio tower sites that are located in variable, remote, and oftentimes difficult terrain.
• Ability to safely operate ATVs and UTVs to access VELCO assets and projects in remote locations. ATVs/UTVs and associated operator trainings to be provided by VELCO.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

• VELCO is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
• Starting pay will be determined at the time of offer based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate.
• Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• VELCO is handling all aspects of talent acquisition internally and will not engage the services of third-party staffing agencies, recruiters, or headhunters. We kindly request that these entities refrain from contacting us.

• Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference checks, background check, physical examination, and drug screening. Effective July 8th, 2024, we are no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccinations from new hires. However, we reserve the right to reinstate this requirement at any time in the future. Depending on position requirements, additional assessments may be required.

• VELCO's headquarters are located in Rutland, Vermont. This is a hybrid position and the expectation is that the incumbent will spend at least two days per week onsite and more as needed.
• If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process please reach out.