Environmental & Permitting Lead SMR & Renewables

Job Posting End Date

07-24-2026 (closing one day before the end date)

Candidate will be integral to environmental and project teams supporting new‑generation project diligence and permitting. They will work on Small Nuclear Reactors (SMR), other nuclear technologies, renewable energy (wind, solar, battery storage, etc.), hydroelectric and other generating assets. The role involves regulatory development activities and environmental research for nuclear and renewables. The specialist will lead within the assigned organization across all project phases.

• Conduct due diligence reviews of new‑generation projects, prepare reports, identify environmental risks and communicate them to management and stakeholders.
• Interface with internal teams and project developers throughout planning and construction.
• Scope and coordinate environmental field studies (species surveys, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, historic and cultural surveys, etc.) for initial site investigations and baseline studies supporting NRC licensing and NEPA documentation.
• Oversee and review the preparation of environmental permits and consultations for initial development activities at nuclear projects.
• Support NRC Early Site Permit/Construction Permit applications and supporting documentation, including NEPA.
• Develop operational strategies for renewable projects to avoid and minimize risks, including wildlife conservation plans, post‑construction studies, training, and compliance program implementation.
• Lead, facilitate, and coordinate work activities of internal and external team members (consultants).
• Provide permit and compliance support to hydroelectric facilities, including FERC license and relicensing support.
• Interact and build working relationships with federal and state resource agency staff.
• Actively participate in renewable industry regulatory and research organizations, track proposed rule makings and develop compliance strategies.
• Initiate corrective actions when objectives are not being met.
• Develop, review, and prepare reports on complex technical subjects for management, professional societies, regulatory bodies, and other peer groups.
• Implement standards of work and seek continuous process improvements.

• NPDES permitting (Individual and General Permits)
• US Army Corps of Engineers permitting
• Section 401 Water Quality Certification
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Section 7 and 10 permitting
• State Historic Preservation Office Section 106 Consultation
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing
• National Environmental Policy Act
• Species surveys and habitat assessments
• Federal Aviation Administration Determination of No Hazard
• Other federal, state, and local environmental permits and certifications

• Environmental Specialist Sr – SG7 – Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, natural resources, ecology or related field; minimum 6 years of environmental experience; available for overtime, call‑out overtime, and shift work; 10‑25% travel; sedentary physical demand;
  Master’s or Doctorate may qualify; registration in recognized professional associations encouraged.
• Environmental Specialist Principle – SG8 – Bachelor's degree; minimum 10 years of environmental experience; same availability, travel, and physical demand;
  Master’s or Doctorate may qualify; registration encouraged.
• Environmental Specialist Consultant – SG9 – Bachelor's degree; minimum 18 years of environmental experience; same availability, travel, and physical demand;
  Master’s or Doctorate may qualify; registration encouraged.

• Environmental Specialist Sr (SG7): $87,633 – $116,847
• Environmental Specialist Principle (SG8): $98,993 – $138,588
• Environmental Specialist Consultant (SG9): $116,255 – $162,758

Base locations:
Columbus, OH (primary) with additional sites in Ft. Wayne, IN;
Charleston, WV;
Roanoke, VA;
Shreveport, LA;
Tulsa, OK. Up to 25% travel to job sites; overall travel 10‑25% of the time.

Sedentary work: occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; primarily seated with brief walking or standing as needed.

American Electric Power (AEP) is a committed equal employment opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities in all aspects of the employer‑employee relationship, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs, and termination. We shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

When required by law, we may record certain applicant information or invite voluntary disclosure of protected characteristics.