Job Description

Stantec is offering a unique opportunity for a Visual Resources Specialist/Environmental Deputy Project Manager to support our growing visual impact assessment/visualization services and the expanding environmental permitting opportunities. The position is to be based out of our Amherst, NY office; however, location of candidate may be remote, based on experience. You will be an integral part of our team, with responsibility for project planning, impact assessment / technical analysis, and task coordination, with opportunities to support Stantec's broad portfolio of clients who operate within the North American infrastructural landscape, including power generation, electrical transmission, and energy storage, among other markets.

Your Key Responsibilities

As a Visual Resources Specialist, you will work under the direction of Stantec's Visual Resources Practice Lead, applying your experience in technical writing, site photography, and task coordination. You must have experience producing technical writing for assessments in support of permit applications or the like; experience in all of the areas listed above is not required but is highly beneficial.

Environmental regulatory and permitting responsibilities may include:

• Identifying project-specific environmental regulatory requirements.
• Assist with development of environmental permit applications.
  • Coordinating with resource agency personnel.
• This position requires a strong writer and requires an organized task manager / DPM who can coordinate contributions from a technically diverse team (e.g., GIS, simulations specialist, permitting, and engineering).
• Work with project managers and technical staff to solve problems.
• An ability to travel (typically no more than 10-20% annually but potentially for durations of up to a week) for project site visits is required of this role.
• Coordinating, conducting, and/or leading field work.
• Your work as a Visual Resources Specialist/Deputy Project Manager may be supplemented with assignments providing general planning and permitting support for power generation and transmission siting and licensing projects or other environmental assessments.

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience supporting VIAs that have been conducted within the context of compliance with state or federal environmental review criteria.
• Strong research, analysis, and reporting ability. Strong writing, attention to detail, and communication skills a must.
• Support project delivery including providing technical input to projects.
• Ability to support multiple projects, focusing on details while also managing a broader set of components.
• Managing projects and budgets of varying sizes and proficiency in tracking budgets.
• Experience assisting with preparing proposals.
• Ability to read and interpret basic site layouts and plan schematics, topographic maps, aerial photographs, and other maps / map resources.
• A commitment to producing high-quality work. A strong work ethic, a desire for team success, a willingness to learn, sense of ownership, sense of humor, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to perform fieldwork that involves walking over uneven terrain.
• Experience in power generation, electrical transmission, battery storage, transportation, and/or utilities.
• Multiple projects and project types (VIA, permitting applications, etc.) may be undertaken at the same time, so time management skills will be required.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with federal agencies and their established methods for assessment of visual effects or impacts to scenery (e.g., BLM, FHWA, USFWS), as well as those of any regional or state entities. Experiences in different States and Canada, or the willingness to learn.
• It is highly desirable to have experience / training in the following aspects / tools typically part of comprehensive VIA production: DSLR cameras (landscape photography); Autodesk 3ds Max (or the like for simulation / visualization production); and Adobe Creative Cloud (for document production).
• Experience with permitting and completing VIAs related to gas/electric, solar, wind and/or battery storage projects under New York Public Service Law permitting, and New York Executive Law 94-c/Article VIII under the Office of Renewable Energy and Electric Transmission, the National Environmental Policy Act, and National Historic Preservation Act experience.
  • Experience with Part 102, Article VII, and Environmental Management & Construction Plan of the New York Public Service Law.
• Support preparation and development of NYSDEC/USACE Joint Permit Applications, including SEQR Compliance (Environmental Assessment Forms and Environmental Impact Statements).

Education and Experience

• BA/BS degree in Landscape Architecture; Urban, Regional or Environmental Land Use Planning; Environmental Science / Studies or a related field.
• 5 to 10 years of experience producing or substantially supporting the completion of VIAs.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.