Senior Environmental Specialist - Central Region

Requisition ID:  93180 

 

NextEra Energy Resources is one of America’s largest wholesale electricity generators, harnessing diverse energy sources to power progress. We deliver tailored energy solutions that fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and help customers achieve their energy goals. Ready to make a lasting impact? Take the next step in your career with us!

 

Position Specific Description

Are you interested in being part of a team of the best environmental professionals in the industry creating a cleaner environment for future generations? Join our world-class, innovative team today.

 

NextEra Energy Resources (NEER) is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun, and a world leader in battery storage. We provide energy-related products and services that grow our economy, protect the environment, support our communities, and help customers meet their energy needs. We are leading the decarbonization of the U.S. economy while improving customer affordability and reliability.

 

Job Overview

A Senior Environmental Specialist provides advanced environmental support including due diligence, permitting, regulatory interpretation and compliance, and interface with federal, state, and regional agencies. This position in the Environmental Licensing and Permitting Section of the Corporate Environmental Services Department. Remote, regionally appropriate locations may be considered. Specifically, this position will

• Support new and existing corporate development opportunities for NextEra Energy Resources and other NextEra Energy affiliates in the Central Region with potential focus in Minnesota and North Dakota.
• Manage multiple, multifaceted environmental issues, licensing and permitting processes, legislative development, and related activities to provide management support to NextEra Energy, Inc. departments.
• Support environmental due diligence, siting, and acquiring federal, state, regional, and local environmental approvals/permits for energy development, mergers and acquisitions, financings, and divestitures of assets, including but not limited to, wind, solar, battery storage, gas, data centers and transmission.
• Serve as the subject matter expert resolving complex environmental matters and providing specialized expertise and technical support to ensure compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and permit conditions.
• Demonstrate strong experience in permitting (e.g., NEPA, utility siting, endangered species, waters of the U.S.), risk diligence and mitigation, project management with ability to lead projects and consultants with limited direction, leadership, and communication.
• Maintain current knowledge of pertinent national, state, local, and company level environmental policies and regulations.
• Effectively interface with internal and external customers, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders, including regulatory agencies.
• Travel as required to support corporate development, and regional and departmental functions.

 

Essential Job Functions

• Environmental due diligence, siting, permitting/approvals
• Strategic management, oversight, and knowledge of aquatic, biological, and cultural resource consultants, studies, and technical reports
• Provide guidance on alternatives to minimize environmental impacts
• Provide specialized expertise to ensure cost effective environmental solutions that maximize operational flexibility, maximize environmental benefits for costs incurred, and contribute to improved system reliability and customer satisfaction
• Project management: planning, budget, and schedule
• Assess and communicate environmental risk
• Translate regulatory authorities into actionable tasks
• Negotiate with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies
• Develop and manage vendor contracts / purchase orders / invoices
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Assist with development of strategy and communicate environmental requirements to management
• Review, monitor, and comment on emerging environmental legislation and regulations
• Travel and work extended hour, when applicable
• Other job-related duties as assigned

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's – Sciences
• Experience: 5+ years
• Knowledge of applicable environmental regulations
• Must demonstrate at least three years of permitting renewable projects in the upper mid-west with strong emphasis on Minnesota and North Dakota

 

Preferred Qualifications

• M