Senior Environmental Scientist

As a key member of PSE's environmental team, you will lead cutting-edge environmental compliance programs that support our clean energy infrastructure, including hydroelectric facilities. This dynamic role combines technical expertise, leadership, and environmental stewardship to drive sustainable, compliance oriented operations in our organization.

In this position, you will direct the design and implementation of comprehensive environmental compliance programs, with particular focus on NPDES permits, Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certifications, Washington State water rights for hydroelectric facilities and emergency engines. Your leadership will ensure our facilities operate sustainably while meeting all Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license requirements and conditions. You'll develop and implement sophisticated monitoring programs for water quality, discharge monitoring, and hydrologic activities that support PSE's infrastructure.

Your technical expertise will be applied to diverse challenges including water resource planning, compliance reporting, and complex data analysis. You'll oversee critical programs such as water rights monitoring, emergency engine compliance, and sophisticated statistical analysis of environmental data. Through collaboration with cross-functional teams, you'll build strong relationships with regulatory agencies, operations personnel, and key stakeholders to ensure our facilities maintain the highest environmental standards.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental protection while advancing your career in the dynamic clean energy sector. Join our team and help shape the future of sustainable utility operations in the Pacific Northwest.

Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to PSE's safety culture by upholding all safety compliance standards in operating and field procedures, while conducting business with the highest ethical standards in alignment with our core values and Code of Conduct. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety across all operations and ensures all duties are performed in strict accordance with regulatory compliance obligations, fostering an environment where safety and integrity are paramount to success.

* Conducts agency coordination and consultation as a representative of PSE.

* Develops standard operating procedures, documents programmatic evaluations, secures appropriate permits and/or regulatory approvals, and conducts other administrative duties in support of company programs and operations.

* Performs and coordinates a wide variety of complex environmental analyses in cross discipline areas and design tasks in the plant and office settings.

* Manages complex environmental monitoring programs and analyses, including water quality sampling, flow monitoring, biological assessments, and emissions tracking.

* Serves as project manager and technical lead for environmental compliance projects, field investigations, and monitoring activities.

* Conducts environmental field work which may include biological monitoring and assessments, stream flow measurements and gauging, water quality sampling and analysis, physical/chemical data collection, cultural resource management activities and/or emergency engine compliance inspections related to PSE's operation facilities.

* Prepares regulatory compliance documentation, standard operating procedures, permit applications, and secures necessary approvals to support company operations.

* Establishes and maintains environmental compliance databases, including QA/QC procedures and data management protocols.

* Supervises and coordinates work of environmental consultants and contractors.

* Creates and implements tools for managing daily and annual operating records for facilities.

* Provides clear, accurate technical reports and compliance documentation.

* Supports department budget development and tracking.

* Establishes and maintains quality control procedures for all field activities and data collection.

* Provides support for departmental initiatives and special projects.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

• BS or Master's Environmental Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics, or similar with 7 or more years of experience in the field (four years of appropriate additional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree).
• Experience and proficiency with MS Office, including Excel and Access, or industry equivalent software applications.

* Advanced degree in Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics, or similar with 9 or more years of experience in the field.

* Experience with hydroelectric facilities or utility operations.

* Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, particularly Clean Water Act, NPDES permits, and water quality standards

* Working knowledge of Washington State water rights, especially related to hydroelectric facilities

* Understanding of environmental monitoring protocols, sampling methodologies, and quality control procedures

* Time interacting with regulatory agencies such as the Washington Department of Ecology, FERC, and/or NOAA.

* Capability to communicate and collaborate with multiple parties including NGOs, state, local and federal governments, and tribal nations.

* Experience with emergency engine compliance requirements.