Environmental Scientist​/Specialist - Land Use Permitting and Compliance

Closes: March 15, 2026

This Environmental Scientist/Specialist position provides regulatory analysis and permitting for all electrical transmission & distribution, natural gas, non-hydro generation and service facilities construction and maintenance projects. The Specialist works with project leads to ensure environmental and cultural resource compliance through all stages of projects.

• Evaluate non-hydro proposed projects for regulatory and permit applicability including scope, work methods and other related potential environmental impacts.
• Provide project lead(s) with permitting recommendations to complete project work in a timely and efficient manner, including other strategic approaches or options when available.
• Manages the complete environmental and land‑use permitting process through all stages including:
  Planning, Applicability, Application, Public Notice, Negotiation, Permit Issuance, Implementation and On‑site Construction/Compliance Monitoring. Keeps accurate and complete records of all work.
• Selects and manages the proper contractor and/or specialized resources needed to acquire permits in a timely and efficient manner.
• Proactively establishes and maintains open communication and strong relationships with the local, state, municipal, and federal agencies.
• Proactively establishes and maintains open communication (including training) with internal personnel, regarding environmental and land use permitting, and cultural resource regulations.
• Seeks and implements methods to improve the quality and efficiency of permitting processes and other duties.

• Bachelor’s Degree from four‑year college or university in an applicable field, such as biology, geology, chemistry, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, environmental science, or related field
• Must demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of particular field of experience or specialization
• Comfortable in office and field situations representing the company and interacting with a wide variety of utility staff, agency regulators, tribes, and other stakeholders
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in writing/grammar
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships and to communicate clearly is essential
• Demonstrated planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes
• Computer skills proficiency required including standard office software, GIS or other specialized applications
• Valid Driver's License

• Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience required

Hiring Range: $68,027 to $87,754

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience
• Proficiency in creating clear, concise, and well‑structured technical documentation, including reports, manuals, process guides, etc. Ability to translate complex technical information into easily understandable content for various audiences
• Demonstrated planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes
• Ability to successfully develop and maintain collaborative relationships at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders

Hiring Range: $77,595 to $100,486

• Experience preparing regulatory permit applications as well as developing regulatory compliance strategies for a variety of project types
• Fundamental understanding of electric and gas utility work activities; how they are accomplished and their associated compliance risks and obligations
• Background and experience in federal, state and local environmental and land‑use regulation and permitting strategies for NEPA, Special Use Permits, SEPA, Army Corp, Wetlands, ESA, Cultural Resources, etc. with existing relationships with regulatory staff in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon
• Advanced technical writing skills and critical thinking. The successful candidate will be able to work both independently and as part of a team and be expected to manage projects to completion

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our…