Planning Siting Specialist

Job Summary

The role is responsible for siting activities for multi-million‑dollar electric transmission line and substation projects. Projects can range from small scale to hundreds of miles in length, traversing multiple states. A successful candidate will understand the full range of issues related to the successful siting and routing of a transmission project and will be accountable for making sound recommendations and decisions.

Areas of expertise include environmental (cultural, natural and visual resource assessment), utility corridor siting (utility regulatory requirements, stakeholder interaction, and permitting requirements) and project management. The siting specialist will work in designated regions and states, based on location.

Planning Siting Specialist – Planning Siting Specialist Sr.

• Ensure that transmission siting activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices and standards of the Company and regulations and procedures as required by federal, state or local regulatory agencies.
• Organize siting studies and proposed route selection activities to meet in‑service dates and ensure compliance.
• Oversee outsourcing related to siting and regulatory approvals of transmission lines and substations.
• Work interdependently with a multidisciplinary project team to identify buildable, cost‑effective routes and facilities which minimize environmental impacts; liaison with other key team members.
• Assist in and prepare environmental assessments and siting studies (written documentation) for transmission facility projects.
• Coordinate regulatory and local zoning applications (writing, exhibits, testimony, interrogatories, schedule, etc.).
• Develop and monitor schedules to complete siting tasks and manage identified risks and cost estimates.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings and public open houses.

• Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office computer applications.
• Excellent written, organizational, presentation, oral communication and time‑management skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and assignments.
• Travel requirements expected 25‑30% of the time; must have a valid driver’s license, ability to rent a vehicle, and drive 3‑6 hours at a time for site visits, land‑owner meetings and stakeholder engagements.
• May require extended hours to accomplish assigned tasks to meet requirements and schedules.
• Overnight travel to facilities and projects (field work) is required.
• Position requires travel and exposure to situations which require knowledge, understanding, and adherence to applicable safety procedures, and ability to hike or walk one to three miles on occasion.
• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Land Use Planning, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or related field.
• Experience:
  
  2‑3 years total industry‑related experience for Grade 06; 5‑8 years industry‑related experience with at least two years of direct siting experience preferred for Grade 07.

SG‑006: $74,551‑$93,188; SG‑007: $87,633‑$109,544. In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and enhance the overall well‑being of its employees.

Physical Demand Level: S – Sedentary work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The job is primarily sedentary with occasional walking or standing.

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.