Senior Environmental Scientist - Tacoma Washington

Company: Puget Sound Energy
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Posted On: 05/06/2025

Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.



PSE'sEnvironmental Servicesteam is looking for qualified candidates to fill anopenSenior Environmental Scientistposition!



Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.
Job Description
As a key member of PSE's environmental team, you will lead cutting-edge environmental compliance programs that support our clean energy infrastructure, including hydroelectric facilities. This dynamic role combines technical expertise, leadership, and environmental stewardship to drive sustainable, compliance oriented operations in our organization.



In this position, you will direct the design and implementation of comprehensive environmental compliance programs, with particular focus on NPDES permits, Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certifications, Washington State water rights for hydroelectric facilities and emergency engines. Your leadership will ensure our facilities operate sustainably while meeting all Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license requirements and conditions. You'll develop and implement sophisticated monitoring programs for water quality, discharge monitoring, and hydrologic activities that support PSE's infrastructure.



Your technical expertise will be applied to diverse challenges including water resource planning, compliance reporting, and complex data analysis. You'll oversee critical programs such as water rights monitoring, emergency engine compliance, and sophisticated statistical analysis of environmental data. Through collaboration with cross-functional teams, you'll build strong relationships with regulatory agencies, operations personnel, and key stakeholders to ensure our facilities maintain the highest environmental standards.



This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental protection while advancing your career in the dynamic clean energy sector. Join our team and help shape the future of sustainable utility operations in the Pacific Northwest.



Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to PSE's safety culture by upholding all safety compliance standards in operating and field procedures, while conducting business with the highest ethical standards in alignment with our core values and Code of Conduct. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety across all operations and ensures all duties are performed in strict accordance with regulatory compliance obligations, fostering an environment where safety and integrity are paramount to success.


Job Responsibilities
* Conducts agency coordination and consultation as a representative of PSE.

* Develops standard operating procedures, documents programmatic evaluations, secures appropriate permits and/or regulatory approvals, and conducts other administrative duties in support of company programs and operations.

* Performs and coordinates a wide variety of complex environmental analyses in cross discipline areas and design tasks in the plant and office settings.

* Manages complex environmental monitoring programs and analyses, including water quality sampling, flow monitoring, biological assessments, and emissions tracking.

* Serves as project manager and technical lead for environmental compliance projects, field investigations, and monitoring activities.

* Conducts environmental field work which may include biological monitoring and assessments, stream flow measurements and gauging, water quality sampling and analysis, physical/chemical data collection, cultural resource management activities and/or emergency engine compliance inspections related to PSE's operation facilities.

* Prepares regulatory compliance documentation, standard operating procedures, permit applications, and secures necessary approvals to support company operations.

* Establishes and maintains environmental compliance databases, including QA/QC procedures and data management protocols.

* Supervises and coordinates work of environmental consultants and contractors.

* Creates and implements tools for managing daily and annual operating records for facilities.

* Provides clear, accurate technical reports and compliance documentation.

* Supports department budget development and tracking.

* Establishes and maintains quality control procedures for all field activities and data collection.

* Provides support for departmental initiatives and special projects.

* Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications

• BS or Master's Environmental Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics, or similar with 7 or more years of experience in the field (four years of appropriate additional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree).
  
• Experience and proficiency with MS Office, including Excel and Access, or industry equivalent software applications.
  Desired Qualifications
  * Advanced degree in Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics, or similar with 9 or more years of experience in the field.
  
  * Experience with hydroelectric facilities or utility operations.
  
  * Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, particularly Clean Water Act, NPDES permits, and water quality standards
  
  * Working knowledge of Washington State water rights, especially related to hydroelectric facilities
  
  * Understanding of environmental monitoring protocols, sampling methodologies, and quality control procedures
  
  * Time interacting with regulatory agencies such as the Washington Department of Ecology, FERC, and/or NOAA.
  
  * Capability to communicate and collaborate with multiple parties including NGOs, state, local and federal governments, and tribal nations.
  
  * Experience with emergency engine compliance requirements.
  
  
  Additional Information
  At PSE we value and respect our employees and provide them opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive compensation and rewards package.
  
  
  
  The pay range for this position is$91,100.00-$151,600.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses.
  
  
  
  PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year.Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - .
  
  
  
  Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.
  
  
  
  Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.
  
  
  
  Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.
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