Environment Field Planner / Construction Oversight

General Accountabilities

Reporting to the Manager of the Northern Region for Environmental Services - Strategic Projects the successful candidate will :

Treat safety as a top priority.

Provide key environmental support and significantly contribute to necessary environmental tasks and deliverables necessary throughout the project life cycle, with an emphasis on Environmental Construction Management to make the project a success. Projects will involve complex Environmental Assessments transitioning from planning to subsequent permitting and monitoring oversight to address environmental commitments made in the EA and detailed in robust Environmental Management Plans.

Responsibilities will involve executing or supporting all aspects of environmental management, including, but not limited to :

Retaining and managing environmental consultants.

Project Notices and enhanced and innovative engagement planning and execution;

Meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, regulatory agencies, project stakeholders, and the public, as well as internal groups on various aspects of EA, approvals and permitting per Hydro One policies, while advancing resolutions;

Participate in Community Open Houses (virtual and / or in-person);

Addressing concerns and inquiries from various interest groups;

Rights holder and stakeholder consultation tracking (e.g., use of Borealis);

The identification and assessment of environmental features, constraints, alternatives, potential environmental effects, mitigation measures and avoidance opportunities;

Support the completion of a clear, well-written environmental documents including presentation materials;

Maintaining transparent and repeatable processes;

Contributing to the Environmental portions of the tender process and subsequent oversight of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts;

Conducting environmental monitoring of construction activities;

Contributing to corrective action processes and other contract administration tasks necessary;

Demonstrate well-rounded working knowledge of varied environmental disciplines assessed on infrastructure projects (e.g., natural heritage, cultural heritage / archaeology, soils and groundwater) along with applicable regulatory processes);

Procure applicable environmental studies. Prepare thorough RFPs, evaluate proposals, and award and administer consultant contracts for environmental services. Understand typical cost ranges of each and drive quality and cost efficiency expectations from consultants;

Track environmental work plans, budget estimates and schedules;

Ensure accuracy and appropriate application of technical data;

Conduct site visits and monitor environmental aspects of stations and lines capital projects in the field;.

Prepare and review Environmental Due Diligence Reports, Environmental Protection Plans / Requirements Documents, and permitting and monitoring in support of new electrical infrastructure projects (lines and stations), where necessary;

Review Contractor Environmental Management Plans;

Document, organize and file project information appropriately within existing systems including Borealis consultation software, Commitment Layer of GIS, and in TEAMS / SharePoint;

Provide guidance, and assistance to project and asset managers and construction personnel responsible for new transmission and distribution projects and refurbishment of existing facilities regarding environmental aspects, applicable legislation and guidelines, including corporate policies;

Be prepared to address contentious items and contribute to decisions where existing policy requires interpretation. Prepare evidence and support preparation for hearings on environmental issues and activities to assist legal, real estate and / or regulatory staff;

Apply a strategic mindset to dealings and negotiations with the various stakeholders, agencies and entities that is rooted in respect, compliance and stewardship while serving the best interest of the organization;

Maintain an awareness of, and advance new techniques in the environmental management field;

Prepare and present technical and organizational information to internal or external group;.

Contribute to the development of, and follow internal protocols and new practices to demonstrate consistency of approach and organization; and

Perform other duties as required.

Selection Criteria

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications :

Four-year university degree in environmental studies, planning, natural sciences or a related field.

Over six years (minimum) or more of relevant work experience in the environmental field.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience for conducting environmental monitoring during construction, including the documentation of effects mitigation and ensuring compliance with environmental management plans and commitments.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of effectively contributing to environmental management on large / complex infrastructure projects.

Requires experience and a strong understanding of environment features to allow for timely, appropriate, and compliant environmental planning and implementation of environmental mitigation plans for construction.

Strong understanding of environmental issues and legislative requirements (Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, Ontario Environmental Protection Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Ontario Water Resources Act, Endangered Species Act, Heritage Act, Ontario Public Lands Act, municipal environmental development requirements, other environmental legislation).

Understanding of soil and groundwater assessment and management.

Experience undertaking and interpreting environmental studies in one or more of the following areas : natural heritage (including SAR), hydrology, hydrogeology, socioeconomic, archaeology, heritage, and related fields.

Experience obtaining environmental permits, licenses, and approvals (provincial, municipal, and federal) and working with associated guidelines, standards and best practices pertaining to EA, permitting and construction effect mitigation.

Experience working with regulatory agencies, Indigenous communities, interest groups and members of the public.

Experience, managing, large scale archaeological programs and integration of associated GIS data considered an asset.

Ability to tender and monitor environmental consultant contracts.

Valid Ontario driver’s license.

Strong technical writing.

Contract management / administration experience

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Windows software (MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

Requires a high level of initiative, strong communication skills and interpersonal skills.

Strong project management skills

Strong interpersonal and writing skills, including proficiency in written and spoken English supporting effective communication with internal and external contacts.

Demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision.

Ability to assimilate new tasks / information quickly and apply the skills to various situations.

Ability to understand the business implications of decisions and the ability to strive to improve organizational performance.