Environmental Scientist Jobs

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We’re leaders in environmental stewardship and we’re committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.

As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.

EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.

For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc

EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply early as we will review and consider candidates as they are received.

This role has the option to be a blend of remote and onsite work if department and business needs allow and with approval from direct supervision. Our hybrid remote work schedule combines three (3) days on premises with up to two (2) days remote.

The Environmental Scientist is responsible for assisting in the development and conducting the environmental research, field inspections, analysis, and reporting necessary to gain the appropriate agency approvals and permits for various generation and transmission projects as well as development of communications tools for the cooperative. This work involves utilizing a variety of skills including writing technical reports, developing effects analysis, preparing environmental permit applications and protection plans, and preparing presentations for internal and external resources. The Environmental Scientist must have working knowledge of environmental policy and regulations, including, but not limited to, the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Farmland Protection Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems. The Environmental Scientist also develops multiple environmental communications explainer materials and provides environmental education and training for the internal customers and external Owner-Member Cooperatives. Lastly, the Environmental Scientist will perform air, coal, water, oil, asbestos, and provide other Central laboratory services as needed to meet internal and external customer’s business needs.

• Performs related activities to insure compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
• Utilizes mapping software to create maps to evaluate impacts, communicate presence or absence of protected environmental features and display project components.
• Develops coordination letters with regulatory agencies to obtain permitting. Evaluates recommendations to proceed and may assist with any necessary actions that are required before the permits are granted.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Conducts and prepares Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
• Develops and prepares stormwater permits for power delivery expansion projects. Assists in coordinating the certification training required under the permit and is also a certified stormwater inspector.
• Performs related activities to obtain environmental clearance and/or permits with the Rural Utility Service (RUS) in regard to the National Environmental Policy Act. Assists in the evaluation of RUS’s environmental policies and regulation criteria to determine the appropriate environmental classification for projects contained in EKPC's work plans. Monitors changes in projects and adjusts environmental classification requirements as necessary.
• Coordinates, schedules, and participates in the Cooperative’s environmental communications program as part of the total public relations program.
• Coordinates activities related to the conservation of EKPC’s natural resources.
• Conducts field inspections to perform the following: document natural and physical inventories, gather information on protected environmental features for use in map development and effects analysis, mist-netting surveys and field surveys to identify potential environmental impact of cooperative activities as well as assist in evaluating alternatives to avoid or minimize impacts.
• Writes technical environmental impact reports, which include environmental assessments, environmental reports, biological assessment and evaluations, socioeconomic demonstrations and others as needed.
• Assists in the preparation of applications for environmental permits or approvals with Cooperative activities related to the planning and construction of substations and transmission corridors. Communicates best management practices to maintenance personnel for management of rare species located in these corridors.
• Assists laboratory Chemist in sampling and performing of complex chemical analysis of water, oil, air and coal samples.
• Assists in the Cooperative’s ecological and biological reporting as required.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related area (Biology, Environmental Sciences). Any equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of related experience. Experience should include biological evaluation, alternatives and impacts analysis, application development, publication communication and resource management

Skills and Abilities:

• Certified, or willing to become certified in an appropriate stormwater inspection certification program
• Must hold, or be willing to obtain, a federal permit to handle and survey for federally protected species including mussels and bats
• Experience with mapping software.
• Effective presentation skills (oral and written).
• Experience with technical writing.
• Trained or knowledgeable of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessments process
• Research and project management skills.
• Knowledge and experience identifying bat species through echolocation recording technologies
• Comprehensive knowledge of Kentucky flora and fauna, emphasis in reptiles and amphibians, bats and native flora.
• Photography skills desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental policy and regulations.
• Knowledge of the utility industry and Cooperative principles desirable.

• Customer Focus
• Building Partnerships
• Technical/Professional Knowledge & Skills
• Communication
• Continuous Learning

• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. required.
• The work in this position is a combination of outdoors field research and routine office conditions, extensive travel within and outside the system that may include overnight travel and some work outside regular work hours.

Thank you for your interest in EKPC.