Environmental Affairs Specialist (Compliance Studies)

This position performs environmental and biological field monitoring for the Compliance Studies group within Alabama Power (APC) Environmental Affairs Lab and Field Services. This position requires a knowledge of biological, limnological, ecological, and water treatment principles to provide continuous field support, data analysis and interpretation, and report generation in support of environmental compliance and operational efficiency for power generation facilities.  

Responsibilities include the collection of biological and water quality samples from power generation facilities or nearby water bodies, operating water quality monitoring equipment, creating study plans, managing large datasets, and performing data analysis.  The position also involves resolving any environmental-related challenges for our customers within Alabama Power and across Southern Company Generation - Fossil and Hydro, Southern Nuclear, and Southern Company Services.

Individuals with the following background are encouraged to apply:

Education and Experience:

• BS degree in Biology or Environmental Science (Fisheries, Ecology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or closely related field) required.
• General knowledge of the following required:
  • Biological collection and identification of fish, mussels, and other aquatic organisms,
  • Environmental biological process including chemistry, limnology, and plant/animal interactions,
  • Electric generating facility operations and pollutions controls, 
  • Water treatment, NPDES discharge regulations and water quality standards, and
  • Instrumentation used for water quality measurement.
• The following is preferred but not required:
  • MS degree in Biology or Environmental Science (Fisheries, Ecology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or closely related field),
  • Electric generating facility experience,
  • Environmental, compliance, chemistry, or water treatment experience while working at an electric generating facility,
  • Experience with data analysis and report writing for regulatory, academic, or research purposes, and
  • Civil construction experience.
• Experience conducting aquatic community assessments, including fish and aquatic organism identification from water bodies of the Southeastern US. 
• Knowledge of applicable environmental laws and regulations and the impact of these regulations on power generation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Excellent computer skills, including the use of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, TEAMS)
• Excellent customer service skills
• Scheduling and planning skills
• Ability to trailer and operate boats on ponds, rivers, and reservoirs
• Ability to work multiple projects simultaneously and effectively in a team environment
• Ability to work in a team environment, sharing workload with others to achieve common goals
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment (hot/cold, rough terrain, in and around water, etc.)
• Ability to collaborate with team to brainstorm potential resolutions for existing and potential compliance-related environmental issues
• Ability to synthesize technical information and communicate in a manner suitable for technical and non-technical personnel 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including non-traditional hours and overnight travel with limited supervision
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to aid in the design and construction of equipment or processes to enhance or meet current or potential environmental regulations
• Ability to develop strong computer analytical skills (e.g., IBM SPSS or R software)
• Basic knowledge and understanding of generation operation (fossil, hydro, and nuclear)

Behavioral Attributes:

• Committed to safety and helping other work safely
• Models Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance 
• Self-directed with strong initiative
• Internal and external relationship building qualities