Senior Environmental Analyst

Position Description
Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

This Senior Environmental Analyst position has two main areas of responsibility: (1) environmental review - ensuring that City Light's capital and maintenance projects comply with all federal, state, and local environmental regulatory requirements related to natural and cultural resources; and (2) providing guidance, review, and oversight on mitigation work related to any regulatory requirement. The position will involve preparing State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklists and Environmental Impact Statements, and obtaining all required federal, state, and local permits. It requires negotiating and working with regulatory agencies and tribes, stakeholders, and environmental consultants. It also involves providing input to project designs so that environmental impacts are reduced; preparing and implementing mitigation plans; developing and monitoring best management practices; and complying with mitigation requirements, including restoration planning. This position will be primarily responsible for projects associated with the Boundary Hydroelectric Project, but will also provide environmental support, as needed, for projects at City Light's other generation transmission, distribution, and administrative facilities.
Job Responsibilities
Here is more about what you'll be doing:

This position is in Seattle City Light's Environmental Licensing and Land Business Unit in the Natural Resources and Permitting Section. The Business Unit is responsible for conducting most of the environmental and real estate work for the utility, including compliance with environmental regulations and implementation of environmental measures included in City Light's hydroelectric project licenses. The general responsibilities for this position include conducting environmental review for regulatory/statutory compliance for capital and maintenance projects from design to post-construction and monitoring and providing support to meet FERC licensing requirements at both Boundary Hydroelectric Facility and Skagit Hydroelectric Facility.

• Prepare required permit applications for capital and maintenance projects, including the supporting environmental documentations, for all appropriate regulatory, resource or administrative entities. For example, the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of Archaeologic and Historic Preservation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and counties (Pend Oreille, King, Whatcom, Snohomish and Skagit).
• In support of capital and maintenance projects, prepare documentation and obtain authorizations from entities such as US Forest Service and National Park service.
• Consult and negotiate with regulatory agencies, tribes and stakeholders to fulfill the needs of City Light's projects and programs.
• During the design phase, work with project managers and engineers to identify environmental issues associated with projects and develop project alternatives and mitigation needed to minimize impacts.
• Hire and supervise consultants to assist with environmental documentation necessary for the permitting package or licensing tasks. Tasks will include preparing scopes of work, monitoring budgets, reviewing and overseeing field work and deliverables. Deliverables are reviewed for accuracy, clarity and effectiveness in meeting scope of work outlined in contract(s). Tasks may also include construction oversight for environmental compliance.
• Review other technical reports and submittals from consultants as assigned.
• Research for best practices and best available science.
• Report to and update Manager and other upper management at City Light on environmental issues and regulatory changes.
• Coordinate work with management at the Skagit and Boundary Hydroelectric project sites and capital project managers and engineers.
• Conduct or oversee other environmental work as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Education: Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences, environmental sciences, planning (with emphasis on environmental issues), public administration/policy (with emphasis on natural resources), or related field

Experience: Minimum of five years experience in environmental research, environmental law, impact analysis, environmental compliance, toxic substance management, or a related field (Other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

Certification/License:

• Current State of Washington driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Hazardous materials/toxics work may require specialized health & safety training and certification.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Master's degree in biology, environmental studies, ecology, or ecological restoration;
• 3 years of experience in obtaining permits for large construction and/or maintenance projects and in planning and implementing mitigation work.
• Certified Erosion and Sedimentation Control Lead License
• A strong background in natural resources and environmental permitting and planning;
• Understanding of Washington state geography, topography, and ecology;
• Working knowledge of a broad range of natural and cultural resource issues;
• Background in working with local, state and federal regulatory agencies;
• Background in working with or for electric utilities;
• Strong organization skills and the ability handle multiple and varied assignments;
• Excellent written and oral communication, as demonstrated by presentations and publications;
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and effectively represent City Light issues and concerns;
• Ability to work effectively with people of all types and provide excellent customer service;
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under time sensitive deadlines;
• Experience working both independently and with a team;
• Ability to multi-task and adapt quickly to changing priorities;
• Experience in the use of Word, Excel, and databases;
• Demonstrated drive and initiative with a professional approach

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice .
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Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $49.24 - $57.38 to per hour.

Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance , SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 . A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020 . Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans .

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 11/21/2023 4:00 PM Pacific