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, H olmdel, 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