Transmission Facility Siting Consultant Senior or Consultant

Arizona Public Service generates clean, reliable and affordable energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together. 

Summary

Oversee and manage all aspects of siting new transmission lines and generation projects for the company, to include new transmission infrastructure and additions/modifications/upgrades to existing infrastructure. Responsible for ensuring that Certificates of Environmental Compatibility and other federal, state, and local government regulatory approvals are obtained. Coordinate with key internal functional areas, city/state/federal agencies, government leaders, public in general, and the Arizona Corporation Commission including the state siting committee, technical staff and commissioners to finalize locations for transmission facilities using the public participation process. Accountable for positive perception of company’s image as projects progress. Complete public speaking assignments as needed, including regulatory, civic, or public agencies or groups. Provide expert testimony as required in support of projects. Manage several projects concurrently including large scope, high visibility projects. Senior level position will be expected to provide oversight and guidance to less experienced consultants.

Minimum Requirements

Senior level: BS/BA in Marketing, Business, Engineering, Environmental Planning, or related field plus eight years of experience related to various environmental science fields or land planning/land use background, understanding large infrastructure project management, project planning, land-use, and permitting of large-scale projects or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Multi-discipline electric utility experience related to understanding design, operations, construction, and planning of transmission facilities. Project management experience is required; Siting project management experience is a plus. Demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal and oral/written communications. Must be able to provide expert testimony before regulatory agencies and effectively interact with customers, regulatory agencies, and large groups. Overnight travel may be required as well as attendance at meetings outside normal business hours.

Consultant level: BS/BA in Marketing, Business, Engineering, Environmental Planning, or related field plus four years of experience related to various environmental science fields or land planning/land use background, understanding large infrastructure project management, project planning, land-use, and permitting of large-scale projects or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Multi-discipline electric utility experience related to understanding design, operations, construction, and planning of transmission facilities experience is a plus. Project management experience is required; Siting project management experience is a plus. Demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal and oral/written communications. Must be able to provide expert testimony before regulatory agencies and effectively interact with customers, regulatory agencies, and large groups. Overnight travel may be required as well as attendance at meetings outside normal business hours.

Major Accountabilities

1) Meet and negotiate with government officials and regulatory agencies in order to obtain state, federal, and local approval for new transmission facilities. Leads meetings and may identify and invite subject matter experts if warranted. This must be done in a professional manner that represents the best value to and present a positive perception of APS.

2) Manage, monitor and coordinate all siting project work performed by external consultants to achieve successful project results.

3) Utilize effective public relations strategies on all projects, respond in a timely manner to all inquiries, and keep accurate records of project interaction and correspondence. Independently manages communications to minimize negative press and public controversy by engaging Corporate Communications as needed.

4) Coordinate all of the internal teams, environmental consultants, external jurisdictions, partnering utilities, and the public so that projects are sited in time to meet land acquisition and construction schedules.

5) Manage consultant charges in relation to project scope, maintain financial records to accurately reflect all project costs in relation to planned APS budget on each project. Update leader as needed when scope or budget changes are anticipated.

6) Oversee and manage siting support resources/departments and communicate effectively with these resources throughout project. Obtain firm commitments on all key siting issues.

7) Establish project timelines and monitor specific project schedules and milestones to ensure project in-service dates are achievable. Provide status updates to management and executives. 

8) Build strong partnerships and effectively interface with team members, customers, public officials/agencies, and government leaders to leverage company need to provide reliable electric service through siting activities.

9) Develop and implement communication plans for projects.

10) Responsible for managing, assembling, and filing ACC applications for Certificates of Environmental Compatibility and periodic compliance filings, until each project is constructed and in-service.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy’s Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, ‘U.S. Export Control Laws’). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates (‘Pinnacle West’) maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Arizona Public Service is a smoke free workplace.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person). 

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location. 

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
• Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.
• Role types are subject to change based on business need. 

undefined

Read Full Description