Construction Environmental Compliance Lead

Job Description

At Puget Sound Energy, we are committed to environmental stewardship, regulatory excellence, and sustainable energy development. As part of our Environmental Services team, you will help deliver major infrastructure projects while protecting environmental resources and supporting PSE's environmental commitments, including our Beyond Net Zero Carbon goals.

The Consulting Environmental Scientist is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving PSE’s Construction Environmental Compliance Program for major capital projects. This role serves as the designated Environmental Compliance Lead and Owner’s Environmental Representative, providing environmental oversight throughout all phases of project delivery, including project development, procurement, construction, project closeout, and transition to operations. The position provides strategic leadership and advanced technical expertise to ensure environmental requirements are effectively integrated into project planning and execution. The Consulting Environmental Scientist directs environmental compliance programs, contractor oversight activities, permit condition tracking, corrective action management processes, compliance audits, and environmental risk mitigation efforts while serving as a trusted advisor to leadership on environmental compliance risks associated with major utility infrastructure projects.

All PSE employees are expected to uphold the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities and promote and support a culture of total safety. Additionally, employees need to demonstrate commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. All duties are to be performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Job Responsibilities

• Serves as PSE's designated Construction Environmental Compliance Lead and Owner's Environmental Representative, providing environmental compliance oversight throughout project development, construction, project close-out, and transition to operations.
• Performs complex technical analyses and advises management on environmental compliance risks, regulatory strategy, project execution issues, and emerging environmental requirements.
• Leads regulatory coordination and consultation with federal, state, local, tribal, and industry stakeholders, representing PSE on high-profile projects and technical forums.
• Directs development and implementation of construction environmental compliance programs, procedures, permit tracking systems, Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs), SWPPPs, contractor compliance oversight, environmental training, and associated compliance documentation.
• Mentors staff and directs consultants, contractors, and technical specialists to ensure environmental compliance and successful project delivery.
• Develops presentations, management briefings, reports, and compliance documentation for leadership, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.
• Develops, manages, and monitors programmatic and project-specific budgets to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.
• Supports departmental initiatives, business planning efforts, continuous improvement activities, and other projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and Master’s in Environmental Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics or similar with 10 years of experience in the field (two years of appropriate additional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree).
• Significant experience in electric and/or gas supply industry or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Expert analytical skills.
• Demonstrated capability in leadership, team building, and establishing long-term relationships with regulatory agency contacts.

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification.
• Experience supporting utility-scale solar, transmission, generation, substations, pipelines, or other energy infrastructure projects.
• Experience implementing CEMPs, SWPPPs, SPCC Plans, and environmental compliance tracking systems.
• Experience ensuring compliance with broad spectrum programs, including cultural resources, wildlife and habitat buffers.
• Experience supporting agency inspections and responding to notices of deficiency, corrective action requests, or enforcement actions.
• Experience developing and delivering environmental compliance training.
• Experience managing environmental consultants and contractor compliance programs.
• Familiarity with Montana and Washington environmental permitting and compliance requirements.

Additional Information