Job Posting End Date
07-23-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
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 water permitting & compliance aspects of new fossil generation projects & acquisitions and providing ongoing environmental permitting and compliance support to generating assets. Responsibilities may also include periodic water permit and compliance support for other company facilities (e.g., electric transmission and distribution, operating company service centers, office buildings, or other regulated and commercial business operations). Candidate will exhibit advanced proficiency and knowledge that enables them to serve as subject matter expert and leader within the assigned organization. Previous water permitting and compliance experience, a working knowledge of state rules (within AEP's operating territory preferred), and self-motivation is a must.
Candidate will be responsible for siting, permitting and compliance support including, but not limited to:
NPDES permitting (Individual, Multi-Sector, and General Permits)
US 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
National Environmental Policy Act
Species surveys and habitat protection
Other federal, state, and local environmental permits and certifications
Job Description
What you'll do:
Conducts due diligence reviews of potential new generation project development sites and facilities 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.
Scopes and coordinates 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, NEPA documentation when needed, and environmental permitting.
Prepares or oversees the preparation of environmental permit applications, reports, consultations, submittal of applications/modifications, reviews/comments on technical support documents and draft permits, and leads agency permit negotiations.
Monitors, conduct complex / advanced data analysis, interprets, and prepares summaries or provides technical guidance for existing and new regulations or legislation. Comments on proposed regulations.
Provides permit and compliance support to AEP facilities.
Assists with facility compliance reviews, training sessions, and compliance audits.
Serves as an internal expert resource for assigned subject areas.
Interacts and builds working relationships with federal and state resource agency staff.
Leads, facilitates and coordinates work activities of others within work group, team, department, or those external to the company (e.g., consultants) and assumes the role of project manager to perform permitting and compliance work.
Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to complex compliance problems that require multi-functional, or organizational, interfacing and/or multi-disciplined analytical techniques.
Leads in the preparation and presentation of complex technical subjects, clearly, concisely, and persuasively, bringing in ancillary issues before senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, etc.
Develops and implements standards of work as it relates to the group's activities and continually seeks 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.
In addition:
Up to 25% travel to job site
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 unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
American Electric Power (On-Site)
$87K - 162K / Year
LI-Onsite
AEPCareers
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-007
Compensation Range:
$87,633.00 - $151,132.50
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. 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.
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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.
