Senior Environmental Specialist - SMR & Renewables Permitting

Location: 6 Locations Job Summary Candidate will be responsible for working as a fully engaged and integral part of our environmental and project teams to support new generation project diligence and permitting including Small Nuclear Reactor (SMR) and other nuclear technologies, and renewable energy (wind, solar, battery storage, etc.) and providing ongoing environmental permitting and compliance support to SMR, renewable, hydroelectric, and other generating assets. Engages in regulatory development activities, as well as environmental research related to nuclear and renewables. Must have a strong desire to support all phases of new generation facilities (from due diligence through operational support). Candidate will exhibit advanced proficiency and knowledge that enables the specialist to serve as a leader within the assigned organization. Candidate will be responsible for permitting and compliance support including, but not limited to: NPDES permitting (Individual and General Permits) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting Section 401 Water Quality Certification U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Section 7 and 10 permitting State Historic Preservation Office Section 106 Consultation Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing National Environmental Policy Act Species surveys and habitat assessments Federal Aviation Administration Determination of No Hazard Other federal, state, and local environmental permits and certifications Job Description What you’ll do: Conduct due diligence reviews of new generation projects for acquisition, prepares diligence reports, identifies potential environmental risks and effectively communicates those risks to the team manager, senior management and other project stakeholders within AEP. Interfaces with internal team and project developer throughout planning and construction of the new asset. Scope and coordinate environmental field studies (e.g., terrestrial and aquatic species surveys, habitat assessments, wetland and waters delineations, historic and cultural resource surveys, etc.) to support initial site investigation activities and baseline studies to support NRC licensing and NEPA documentation. Oversee and review the preparation of environmental permits and consultations associated with initial development activities at nuclear projects. Support Nuclear Regulatory Commission Early Site Permit and/or Construction Permit applications and supporting documentation, including NEPA. Develop operational strategies at renewable projects to avoid and minimize project risks and ensures those strategies are timely implemented. Strategies include, but are not limited to, development of operational wildlife conservation plans, scopes and oversees post-construction studies, develops and conducts training, and supports operational staff with implementation of compliance programs as needed. Lead, facilitate and coordinate work activities of others within the group or those external to the company (e.g., consultants) as required. Provide permit and compliance support to AEP hydroelectric facilities, including FERC license and relicensing support. Interact and build working relationships with federal and state resource agency staff. Actively participate in renewable industry regulatory and research organizations. Track and occasionally develop comments on proposed rulemakings, compliance strategies and other regulatory guidance. Identify and initiate appropriate corrective actions when objectives are not being met. Develop, review and prepare reports on complex technical subjects clearly, concisely and effectively, in a manner suitable for presentation to management, professional societies, regulatory bodies, agencies or organizations, including other similar peer and/or industry groups. Develop and implement standards of work as it relates to the group’s activities and continually seek process improvements. What we’re looking for: Environmental Specialist Sr - SG7 Bachelor’s degree (environmental science, biology, chemistry, natural resources, or ecology or related field) Minimum of 6 years of environmental experience. Must be available to work overtime, call‑out overtime and shift work, as required. Travel requirements are expected 10‑25% of the time. Physical demand level is Sedentary. Individuals with a Master’s or Doctorate degree may be considered for entry into the organization at this level. Registration in recognized associations and organizations for environmental professionals is encouraged. 40 hours per week with some overtime required. Periodic travel required. Environmental Specialist Principle - SG8 Bachelor’s degree (environmental science, biology, chemistry, natural resources, or ecology or related field) Minimum of 10 years of environmental experience. Must be available to work overtime, call‑out overtime and shift work, as required. Travel requirements are expected 10‑25% of the time. Physical demand level is Sedentary. Individuals with a Master’s or Doctorate degree may be considered for entry into the organization at this level. Registration in recognized associations and organizations for environmental professionals is encouraged. 40 hours per week with some overtime required. Periodic travel required. Environmental Specialist Consultant - SG9 Bachelor’s degree (environmental science, biology, chemistry, natural resources, or ecology or related field) Minimum of 18 years of environmental experience. Must be available to work overtime, call‑out overtime and shift work, as required. Travel requirements are expected 10‑25% of the time. Physical demand level is Sedentary. Individuals with a Master’s or Doctorate degree may be considered for entry into the organization at this level. Registration in recognized associations and organizations for environmental professionals is encouraged. 40 hours per week with some overtime required. Periodic travel required. Where you’ll work: This role sits on site in Columbus, OH or additional locations of Ft. Wayne, IN; Charleston, WV; Roanoke, VA; Shreveport, LA or Tulsa, OK. What you’ll get: Environmental Specialist Sr (SG7) – $87,633 – $116,847 Environmental Specialist Principle (SG8) – $98,993 – $138,588 Environmental Specialist Consultant (SG9) – $116,255 – $162,758 In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports and enhances the overall well‑being of employees. Physical Demands The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary. Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. Equal Employment Opportunity It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer‑employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr AEP