Advanced Scientist - Environmental Services - Reading, PA, Greensburg, PA, Holmdel, NJ, Morris Plains, NJ or Akron, OH

FirstEnergy

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

About the Opportunity 

FirstEnergy Corp is looking to fill one (2) mid-level scientist positions in Greensburg or Reading, PA, Holmdel, NJ, Morris Plains, NJ and Akron, OH

This position will work within the Environmental Department in support of FirstEnergy’s 5 operating states – OH, PA, WV, MD, NJ.  The selected candidate will be tasked with conducting and/or managing a range of environmental and engineering-related endeavors associated with construction of electric transmission and distribution lines and electrical substations.  Tasks will include but not be limited to: obtaining environmental permits (Federal, state, local, etc.), monitoring environmental permit compliance, developing and negotiating mitigation strategies, threatened and endangered species consultation, erosion and sedimentation control plan development/review, stormwater management, avoidance and minimization measures, impact assessments, and regulatory/governmental agency coordination.  This position will require out-of-town and occasional overnight travel.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Botany, Wildlife/Zoology, Environmental or Physical Sciences/Studies, Engineering or related field from an accredited college/university
• 5+ years (minimum) in environmental consulting or a related industry

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the development and implementation of programs which ensure that the environmental regulatory obligations associated with construction of electrical transmission lines and substations are achieved in a cost-effective manner and that environmental risks are effectively managed
• Support the preparation of permit packages, regulatory reports and submittals
• Assess project needs and procure services from outside consultants, as needed, to ensure project delivery
• Review and provide comments on reports, studies, and recommendations prepared by outside consultants
• Assist with the preparation of technical documents such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the public
• Develop and maintain affiliations and effective working relationships with individuals, groups, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies 
• Assess the impacts of environmental laws and regulations on energy delivery facilities and operations, prepare comments on proposed activities, and provide guidance and training related to the implementation of regulatory requirements
• Communicate and present information in a timely manner to a variety of audiences

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in various fields of study including, but not limited to: applicable federal and state regulations associated with earth disturbance, wetlands and watercourses, threatened and endangered species, historic resources, environmental compliance monitoring and general engineering principles
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and experience with third party customers or stakeholders
• Strong project management and budgeting/cost control experience
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions in selecting the most appropriate path to resolution
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Experience with environmental issues and permitting related to the energy sector with a focus on energy delivery
• Permitting and regulatory experience related to referenced fields of study in OH, PA, WV, MD and/or NJ 
• Experience managing field investigations associated with wetlands, watercourses, and threatened/endangered species
• Training or field experience associated linear projects
• Wetland delineator and/or endangered species certification

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience with environmental issues and permitting related to the energy sector with a focus on energy delivery
• Permitting and regulatory experience related to referenced fields of study in OH, PA, WV, MD and/or NJ 
• Experience managing field investigations associated with wetlands, watercourses, and threatened/endangered species
• Training or field experience associated linear projects
• Wetland delineator and/or endangered species certification