Senior Environmental Compliance Biologist

Requisition ID: 16610

 

Join us in building a better future for Arizona!

SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power and named one of Arizona's best employers by Forbes. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.

 

Why Work at SRP

SRP's success is rooted in our employees' happiness, health, and safety. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and enhance their well-being. In addition to competitive pay and performance incentives, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits:

• Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Available your first day: Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
• Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
• Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)
• Short and long-term disability plans
• Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs
• 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking

 

Summary

The successful candidate will provide technical support, guidance, and direction on environmental compliance needs for SRP’s power and water infrastructure, including operation, maintenance, siting, and construction. The position will assist with implementation of the Roosevelt Lake Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The duties will require conducting, coordinating, and managing contracts for field studies of terrestrial and aquatic species, with a focus on northern Mexican gartersnake conservation and fisheries projects. This position will also support property and infrastructure management, habitat restoration, and field monitoring activities of the HCP properties located on the Gila, Salt, San Pedro, and Verde rivers. The position requires an individual with demonstrated project management and problem-solving skills in addition to a working knowledge of multiple environmental laws and regulations, such as National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act Section 404, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Work will be conducted under the supervision of the Manager of Biological and Cultural Resource Services.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate and manage multiple projects to meet HCP mitigation obligations.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement field studies for terrestrial and aquatic species, including the northern Mexican gartersnake, southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, and other federally threatened or endangered species.
• Implement gartersnake conservation projects (including nonnative fish removal and coordination of rearing and stocking of native aquatic species).
• Analyze and interpret field data and prepare technical reports of wildlife and fisheries studies; review technical reports prepared by outside researchers and environmental consultants.
• Coordinate with federal and state land management and wildlife agencies to conduct studies and accomplish HCP mitigation obligations.
• In collaboration with other SRP Environmental Compliance Scientists and HCP property managers, direct, conduct, and support property management activities, including administering infrastructure and maintenance projects.
• Plan and implement habitat restoration projects and conduct field monitoring of wildlife, vegetation, and hydrological conditions on the HCP properties.
• Negotiate and administer biological or other consultant contracts to accomplish HCP mitigation requirements or compliance for other SRP water and power projects.  
• Prepare and provide techical presentations to SRP leadership, federal and state agencies, or the public.
• Engage with state and federal agencies, universities, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations to continually build and improve upon your knowledge of wildlife science, natural resource regulations, and technical skills related to SRP’s ongoing and future water and power operations.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to review, analyze and develop comments concerning proposed federal and state natural resource laws, regulations or policies that could impact SRP’s water or power operations.

What It Takes To Suc