Scientist – Environmental Services - Environmental Services

FirstEnergy at a Glance 

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

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.  

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
• Zero to ten 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 0 to 10 years (minimum) 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
• 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

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas currently.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.