Principal/Senior Environmental Science Specialist

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Environmental Permitting Specialist (Senior Environmental Science Specialist / Principal Environmental Science Specialist)

Position Summary

This position advises and completes environmental permitting for a wide range of PGE projects, including those related to transmission, distribution, wetlands, and waterways. Permits encompass federal, state, and local environmental and land use requirements.

The Environmental Permitting Specialist provides expert research, analyses, and assessments for high-priority and complex PGE projects. The role develops and implements project work to ensure environmental regulatory obligations are fulfilled in a cost-effective manner and that environmental risks are effectively managed.

The successful candidate will have established knowledge of local and regional permitting and land use requirements and experience supporting utility planning, construction, and operations. Level and scope of responsibility will be commensurate with qualifications and business needs.

Key Job Information

Senior

Senior Environmental Science Specialist-6195: Grade 8

Principal

Principal Environmental Science Specialist-6194: Grade 9

Career Levels

P4 – Specialist Professional (Senior Level)

Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise. Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices. Solves complex problems and takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions. Works independently, with guidance only in the most complex situations. May lead functional teams or projects.

P5 – Master Professional (Principal Level)

Recognized expert within the company. Anticipates internal and external business challenges, vendor and regulatory issues, and recommends strategic improvements. Solves unique and complex problems with broad business impact. Progression to this level is restricted based on business requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Studies and Assessments

Senior (P4):

- Performs all aspects of complex environmental assessments and technical analyses.

- Applies advanced analytical techniques and serves as lead technical specialist for medium-sized or moderately complex projects.

- Identifies project risks and advises leadership on mitigative or corrective solutions.

- May oversee project scope, schedule, and budget.

- Coordinates and prepares regulatory and client deliverables.

Principal (P5):

- Provides specialized and strategic expertise in assigned technical area.

- Leads or oversees multiple studies of comprehensive scope or large, complex projects.

- Provides expert technical consultation across PGE.

- Oversees preparation of deliverables from prospect through completion.

- Recognized by external stakeholders as an expert in the field.

Project Coordination and Leadership

Senior (P4):

- Serves as team leader and coordinates work across internal and external stakeholders.

- Communicates client and agency interests and develops strategies to address concerns.

- May lead agency interactions and presentations.

Principal (P5):

- Oversees and leads client, agency, and stakeholder interactions and presentations.

- Resolves complex internal and external conflicts with strategic focus.

- Serves as senior consultant across multiple projects.

- Strategic resource to other PGE organizations.

Tools, Processes, and Program Management

Senior (P4):

- Evaluates and improves tools, processes, and systems.

- Benchmarks best practices and recommends enhancements.

Principal (P5):

- Strategizes and leads implementation of process and tool improvements.

- Serves as process owner and approves implementation of enhancements.

- Oversees program management activities.

Knowledge Sharing and Industry Leadership

Senior (P4):

- Recognized internally for technical expertise.

- Mentors less experienced staff.

- Participates in professional groups and may author technical papers.

Principal (P5):

- Recognized industry-wide as an expert.

- Authors and presents technical papers at professional forums.

- Holds leadership roles in professional organizations.

- Serves as spokesperson for PGE.

Safety Practices

- Practices, promotes, and (Principal level) develops PGE safety standards, objectives, and regulatory requirements.

- Ensures team adherence to safety and compliance expectations.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field, or equivalent experience.

- Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

- Senior (P4): Typically eight or more years in an environmental science–related field.

- Principal (P5): Typically twelve or more years in an environmental science–related field.

Certifications

- Professional registration or certification preferred; may be required based on role.

Competencies

Functional Competencies

- Advanced (Senior) to Expert (Principal) knowledge of environmental permitting, regulations, and technical specialty areas

- Advanced to Expert knowledge of industry trends, regulatory development processes, and safety requirements

- Strong understanding of QA/QC processes

- Ability to lead projects, resolve conflicts, and motivate teams

- Working knowledge of business principles including strategic planning, resource allocation, and negotiation

General Competencies

- Advanced to Expert decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving skills

- Advanced to Expert written and verbal communication skills

- Advanced stakeholder management, influence, and negotiation abilities

- Advanced presentation, facilitation, and project management skills

- (Principal) Vision creation and strategic leadership capabilities

Physical and Cognitive Demands

Cognitive Level

Substantial

– Consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Cognitive Abilities

- Ability to meet deadlines and accuracy standards

- Ability to work effectively under stress and adapt to change

- Ability to collaborate across teams and organizational levels

- Ability to receive and apply constructive feedback

- Strong memory and ability to process and apply new information

Physical Capabilities

- Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)

- Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)

Environment - Indoor/Outdoor (check all that apply):

- Office

Compensation Range:

$107,025.00 - $222,560.00

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.