Environmental Specialist

Job Summary

This position is responsible for providing consultation, permitting, coordination, and support to all of Georgia Power’s business units for construction and maintenance activities that may affect environmental resources such as freshwater wetlands, streams, salt marshes, and state buffers. Key responsibilities include wetlands and waters delineation, ecological surveys, GIS database preparation and analysis, coordination with internal customers and regulatory agencies, implementation of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and assurance of compliance with CWA regulations.

• Primary office: GPC Headquarters, 241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta, GA
• Work arrangement:
  In‑office / field 4 days per week
• Coverage:
  Metro Atlanta, Central Georgia (Conyers, Newnan, Macon), Northeast Georgia (Dawsonville, Gainesville, Athens, Augusta)

• BS in biological sciences, ecology, natural resource studies or related field
• Professional certifications (e.g., Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Ecologist) are a plus

• Five or more years in natural resources
• 3+ years in wetland and waters delineation
• 3+ years in Section 404 permitting and the Endangered Species Act
• Permitting for linear and stand‑alone construction activities
• Experience in NEPA, wildlife management, aquatic biology, and/or fisheries biology (plus)
• Basic GIS usage required

• Synthesize technical information and communicate effectively to technical and non‑technical audiences
• Proficient with GPS equipment and GIS databases
• Working knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and agencies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Judgment and problem‑solving abilities
• Strong organization, planning, and scheduling skills
• Ability to drive vehicles on and off‑road; some overnight travel required
• Self‑directed, able to work independently and in teams, including outside normal business hours and in diverse weather and field conditions

• Consistent with Southern Company values:
  Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, Superior Performance
• Effective interpersonal and relationship‑building skills that facilitate teamwork across business units
• Acts as a team player, takes personal responsibility for successes and failures, and demonstrates strong initiative

• Provide information, guidance, permitting coordination, and cost‑effective compliance assistance for Section 404, the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act, EPD Stream Buffer Variance process, and mitigation programs
• Understand GPC core business unit needs and processes; work with diverse teams to avoid natural resource impacts and secure required permits
• Negotiate and resolve natural resource issues with state or federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. EPA, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Georgia Department of Transportation
• Perform program reviews to assure compliance, enhance communication, and implement environmental awareness initiatives
• Produce high‑quality work efficiently, demonstrating initiative, personal responsibility, and strong internal and external relationships
• Review and comment on proposed regulatory changes to reduce impact on GPC operations
• Communicate technical issues effectively to customers, agencies, and management
• Promote and support the company’s environmental policies, conservation, and stewardship across all business areas and external engagements
• Drive continuous improvement of technology and business processes
• Support the company’s storm restoration and emergency response efforts

• At least one year of verifiable driving experience; must hold a valid driver’s license for the class of vehicle operated
• No revocation of driving privileges in the past 36 months and no convictions of major traffic violations in the past 12 months; no pending charges for major traffic violations at the time of application
• Consent to continuous monitoring of Motor Vehicle Records

This position may be eligible for additional compensation such as an incentive program. A summary of the benefits offered can be found here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Detailed total compensation and benefits information will be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.