Phd In Environmental Science Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SPECIFICATION       

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER / SR. MANAGER - ARIZONA 

The Organization

Grid United is a mission driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.

More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com

The Position

Grid United has numerous large scale transmissions projects underway and is currently identifying and studying additional prospective projects across North America. These projects often necessitate complex and interdependent environmental permitting processes. In addition, Grid United is committed to tiered resource assessment and application of the mitigation hierarchy during the siting, design, and permitting stages of its projects.  This approach may involve novel and/or groundbreaking methods to environmental planning and skillful execution during permitting. As a result, the Company seeks to expand its Environmental Team with an energetic and experienced Environmental Manager / Senior Environmental Manager to support multiple large scale linear infrastructure projects in active development, with a focus on the Desert Southwest.

Working remotely in or near the Desert Southwest (Arizona preferred), the Environmental Manager will report to the Senior Director of Environmental and collaborate closely with development, engineering, and construction teams. The successful candidate will manage environmental compliance during construction, oversee contractors, and ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements during project execution. 

Please apply if you possess 70% or more of the required skills described below.

Key Responsibilities & Outcomes:

• Plan, manage, and monitor environmental aspects of large, multidisciplinary transmission projects, including construction, permitting, siting, and compliance.
• Develop and implement construction-phase environmental management plans, including monitoring protocols and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and mitigation measures during construction and execution phases.
• Coordinate with construction teams and contractors to integrate environmental requirements into daily operations.
• Conduct site inspections and audits during construction to verify compliance and manage risks.
• Manage third-party environmental consultants and review work products.
• Prepare and submit environmental reports to regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate with federal and state agencies regarding environmental requirements and permit compliance.
• Facilitate meetings with contractors, agencies, Native American Tribes, and other stakeholders.
• Support successful execution through management of environmental compliance documentation such as Environmental Management Plans, Avian Protection Plans, and Vegetation Management Plans.

Behaviors which are essential to success of this team

• Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace
• Build, maintain and value board and deep stakeholder relationships and have a personal commitment to making a difference in the community
• Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems in a calm and no blame way

Desired Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, planning, ecology, environmental planning, engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience working directly on environmental compliance and permitting within the energy sector, with a preferred 2 years focused on construction/execution stage projects. 
• A proven track record of permitting and/or construction support for industrial scale energy projects with a preference for electric transmission
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbal, with Federal agencies, Tribal governments, state agencies, eNGOs, and land use planning or zoning entities, on a variety of technical topics
• Working familiarity with federal and state laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines, that may be applicable to permitting the construction and operation of electric transmission, including direct experience with EIS-level NEPA compliance reviews, ESA and NHPA consultations, state-level environmental quality act reviews, local zoning authorizations, as well as post-permitting compliance and implementation
• Technical understanding of environmental issues related to industrial development and permitting, including but not limited to land use/zoning, biological, aquatic, cultural, noise, visual, and socioeconomic considerations
• Working knowledge of geospatial and land use planning analysis; Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Knowledge of industry environmental standards for transmission line siting, design, construction and project execution and risks related to the same
• Demonstrated ability to manage financial and scheduling aspects of environmental projects
• Keen, demonstrated interest in the transmission grid and energy generation
• Ability to travel approximately 3050% of time, specifically to job sites during construction or to agency and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong computer and data management skills, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, nonhierarchical organization.
• Familiarity and basic proficiency with professional GIS systems and maps.
• Proactive and open to embracing new challenges.
• Positive, professional, and energetic team-oriented attitude.
• Embodies Grid United's core values of ingenuity, tenacity, humility, and grace.

What the Right Candidate Will Love about this Opportunity:

• An organization dedicated to solving the ever changing Rubik's cube of high voltage transmission development in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative culture
• Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
• Working on a day-to-day basis with highly experienced and proven industry leaders
• Being empowered to play a leading role in delivering a large scale project that will materially change the energy future of America  
• Working in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and having a positive social impact
• Excellent financial backing from leading energy investor with long term commitment, passion for energy, and an understanding and appetite to tackle the challenges of transmission development

Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.

Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.