Environmental Specialist I

This position is within the corporate Environmental Services Department of NextEra Energy (NEE), supporting new development opportunities in energy generation projects for NextEra Energy Resources and other affiliates of NEE.

Applicant must have ability to provide environmental permitting support for new development opportunities in power generation and storage projects. Primary responsibilities include supporting permitting strategy and obtaining all required federal, state, and local environmental licenses, permits, and approvals for development projects. Other project support such as siting, field assessments, and community outreach will also be required. This job will have a primary focus on renewable generation in Florida. 

Applicant must have ability to support multiple projects with multifaceted environmental and regulatory issues and ability to lead comprehensive environmental due diligence reviews for projects. 

Must maintain current knowledge of pertinent national and state level environmental policies and regulations, have the ability to effectively interface with internal and external customers, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders, and be able to assist in resolving complex environmental matters. Must help ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, as well as company policies. 

The job location is in Juno Beach, Florida. Frequent in-state travel, with the potential for overnight stays, will be required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Environmental Science or Engineering), Master’s preferred 
• Minimum of two years of directly relevant experience 
• Knowledge of environmental regulations 
• Knowledge of Florida flora/fauna and habitats
• Skills in wetland delineation, Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) preferred
• Oral and written communication skills as well as analysis, problem solving, compliance, leadership, and process/project management skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Primary (Essential) Job Functions: (List is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary)

• Environmental siting, licensing, permitting and due diligence
• Project planning, budget and schedule management
• Strategic management and oversight of environmental field studies and consultants 
• Negotiations with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies
• Development/management of vendor contracts / purchase orders /invoices
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work extended hours

Job Overview

Employees in this position provide environmental compliance and permitting technical support for the company Power Delivery business unit which includes transmission and distribution operations in Florida, and transmission operations in 24 states and Canada.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides environmental permitting and compliance technical support to business unit to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations
• Coordinates environmental consultants’ and contractors’ scopes of work
• Identifies and mitigates environmental risks
• Supports root cause analysis of environmental events
• Coordinates environmental due diligence for business unit construction and maintenance jobs
• Coordinates oversight of environmental compliance during construction
• Supports environmental permitting on business unit construction and maintenance jobs
• Translates regulations and permit conditions into meaningful instructions for business unit employees
• Provides project management support
• Communicates effectively about environmental permitting and issues
• Provides recommended solutions to environmental challenges to minimize environmental impact
• Develops environmental processes, procedures and environmental awareness training
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School Grad / GED
• Bachelor's or Equivalent Experience
• Experience: 2+ years

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree

Where permitted by applicable law, NextEra Energy requires all employees and new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination on or before the first day of employment.

NextEra Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.