Environment Planner/Engineer

at  Hydro One Networks Inc

49729 - Multi Location - Regular - permanent
Hydro One is proud to be the largest electricity transmission and distribution provider in Ontario, serving nearly 1.4 million customers. We have a long history in the industry with our roots dating back over 110 years to 1906. Since then, we have worked to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our customers and communities across Ontario. Today, we’re focused on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring we are building safe communities where we live, work and play.
It’s an exciting time to join the team at Hydro One!
The Environmental Services team has approximately one hundred employees who set corporate environmental policy and provide environmental services and support for the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of Hydro One assets. We have a highly skilled and experienced workforce which obtains environmental approvals and provides construction support for lines and stations projects and operations. Our team is committed to protecting the environment and striving for continual improvement in our environmental management system and performance.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

This position will report to the Environmental Services Manager for the Capital Portfolio Delivery unit (Northeast).

The successful candidate will:

• Provide key environmental support and significantly contribute to necessary environmental tasks and deliverables necessary throughout the project life cycle to make the project a success.
• Responsibilities will involve executing or supporting all aspects of the EA, including, but not limited to: (i) retaining and managing environmental consultants; (ii) project notices and enhanced and innovative engagement planning and execution; (iii) 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. (iv) Participate in Community Open Houses (virtual and/or in-person); (v) addressing concerns and inquiries from various interest groups; (vi) rights holder and stakeholder consultation tracking (e.g., use of Borealis). (vii)The identification and assessment of environmental features, constraints, alternatives, potential environmental effects, mitigation measures and avoidance opportunities; (viii) contribute to consistency of approach with similar projects.
• Support the completion of a clear, well-written Environmental Assessment Report and related documentation including presentation materials; and maintaining a transparent and repeatable EA planning process.
• 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, where necessary.
• 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 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 routed 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 groups.
• Follow internal protocols and new practices to demonstrate consistency of approach and organization.
• Perform other duties as required.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four-year university degree in environmental studies, planning, natural sciences, or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience in environmental planning, coordinating and conducting environmental

assessments and field planning and monitoring on linear infrastructure projects.

• Over six years (minimum) or more of relevant work experience in the area(s) of environmental planning (EA), natural heritage, cultural heritage/archaeology, permitting, contract management, and monitoring considered necessary to become familiar with the practical aspects of the work.
• Requires experience and strong understanding of natural environment features and ecosystems 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, Ontario Public Lands Act, municipal environmental development requirements, other environmental legislation).
• Understanding of soil and groundwater assessment, site remediation and assessment / mitigation of Designated Substances.
• 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.
• Ability to tender and monitor environmental consultant contracts.
• Require overnight absences from home from time to time for site visits and meetings, and may require travel throughout Ontario.
• Ability to independently travel to local or remote sites, communicate with construction or other stakeholders and evaluate situation and develop/implement mitigation plans.
• Valid Ontario driver’s license.
• Strong technical writing.
• 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 team player and good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and prepare technical reports.
• 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.
• Flexibility and adaptability regarding changes to the work.

Please refer the Job description for details