Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.

Sr. Specialist - O&R EHS&Q (Environment Ecologist/Biologist)

West Nyack, NY

Other

$95,000-$130,000

About This Job

Overview

Provide general expertise on environmental issues and specifically provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) expertise on the management, protection, and permitting associated with wetlands, protected resources, and habitat. Provide expert guidance to enable vegetation management in compliance with all environmental regulations, best practices, and company policies. Coordinate, monitor, and provide expert technical and regulatory oversight and guidance to Orange and Rockland Utilities to achieve environmental compliance, minimize environmental risks, and continuously enhance the biodiversity of our properties. Provide SME expertise in the construction planning support of all natural resources-related requirements, including the associated contractor/consultant oversight, contract administration, and similar as assigned. Provide general expertise on assigned environmental topics, and provide high-quality, specific subject matter expertise in areas such as stormwater/wastewater management, natural resource protection and enhancement, land use, environmental permitting, EH&S considerations for project planning and design, air quality and emissions tracking/reporting, and similar. Provide data management and reporting to understand the value of biodiversity enhancement and carbon reduction projects for internal and external reporting.Work with experts in and out of the company to establish and communicate biodiversity measurement methodologies and verifications. Orange and Rockland Utilities is implementing many exciting new programs to meet the emissions goals set for New Jersey and New York State, and this opportunity will allow you to be a part of the solution. Work with operations and engineering to provide Natural Resources SME support to enable meeting the electrification goals in our service territory, including electrification projects for Electric Vehicle charging, battery, and solar renewable energy construction projects.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

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Manage and oversee specific company compliance programs, including wetland protection, habitat protection and enhancement, floodplain management, cultural resource protection, and stormwater management. Be aware of and potentially provide support in emissions tracking and reporting programs (scope 1, 2, 3).

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Maintain in-depth knowledge of relevant company and industry Environmental Compliance requirements; stay updated on industry, NY/NJ, and global trends and emerging issues in Natural Resource protection.

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Develop and maintain a strong network of in-house and industry SME contacts. Benchmark to ensure consistency and best practices are incorporated into company practices and policies.

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Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) within assigned compliance areas for researching and interpreting proposed and final federal, state, and local environmental regulations and standards. Provide advice, counsel, and technical support on compliance within assigned program areas.

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Review statistical and trend analysis of environmental compliance history. Develop and implement mitigation plans/programs to improve performance. Establish and track metrics to understand the value of programs and initiatives over time.

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Ensure conformity with Company policy, employee relations practices, labor agreements, and legal requirements to achieve cooperation, harmonious employee relations, and performance goals.

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Develop and implement action plans for compliance. Maintain and revise the Company's environmental procedures and best management practices periodically. Provide advice and counsel on developing work procedures in compliance with these practices.

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Create and present written communications on complex, technical information that is easily understood and relevant. Develop new policies and procedures in environmental compliance that are practical and implementable.

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Serve as liaison and represent the Company during inspections, visits, or inquiries by EPA, NYDEC, NJDEP, and other official agencies. Represent the Company in industry-related trade groups and committees. Attend and present at industry conferences.

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Supervise employees and oversee contractors involved in environmental projects. Administer environmental contracts as assigned. Assume the role of Manager and supervise environmental compliance staff in the Manager's absence. Participate in emergency management processes, storm plans, and mutual aid deployments. Respond to emergencies as required.

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience

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Bachelor's Degree Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related fields and 3 years Practical Environmental Compliance required; Operational/Utility experience preferred

Relevant Work Experience

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Able to work independently and with limited supervision, required.

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Experience in environmental regulatory compliance that pertains to natural resource protection and enhancement, required.

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Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills, and can effectively interact with customers, support staff, and various levels of management and the union, required.

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Has strong analytical, technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is required.

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Experience in obtaining and implementing natural resource permits, preferred.

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Able to provide off-hour, on-call support EH&S incidents as required.

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Self-motivated, with a drive for excellence in all areas, required.

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Experience in environmental regulatory compliance requirements that pertain to the utility industry in New York State and New Jersey, preferred.

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Any Wetland/Ecology/Wildlife or other relevant environmental certification, preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

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Driver's License Required

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Other: Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) 1 Year Required

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Other: Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Preferred

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Other: Certified Associate Ecologist (CAE) Preferred

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Project Management Professional (PMP) Project Management Professional (PMP) Preferred

Additional Physical Demands

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Must be able to respond to Company emergencies by performing a System Emergency Assignment to restore service to our customers.

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Must be able to walk off-road locations to do inspections, collect data, and similar job-related functions typical for a wetland biologist or wildlife ecologist.

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