Position Summary: This position is a key resource with systemwide and competitive (Transource) responsibilities for siting AEP Transmission projects and establishing and implementing best practices. Responsible for identifying, developing and coordinating overall siting strategies to support the goals, philosophies, policies, initiatives and day-to-day activities of AEP Transmission and its affiliates, including joint ventures. In addition, responsible for leading and establishing the competitive siting process; building/maintaining relationships with federal/state/local environmental community; supervision of the siting team members; acts as Transmission siting witness for regulatory proceedings.

Works closely with leadership in Transource, Project Management, Line and Station Engineering, Right of Way, Environmental Services, Project Outreach and Operating Companies to identify best practices and to improve success in siting transmission projects. Interfaces with or supports interaction with internal groups and external audiences including individual customers, siting authorities, state and local agencies.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Responsible for identifying and developing strategies and tools for the siting team practices that support AEP Transmission’s business objectives and achieve line routing success.

2. Develops policies, practices and standards of the Company for siting and ensures projects are performed in accordance with the regulations and procedures as required by federal, state or local regulatory agencies.

3. Provide testimony to federal, state, local regulatory agencies.

4. Provide oversight of outsourcing activities related to siting/environmental/permitting.

5. Collaborate closely with Environmental Services on all aspects of projects.

6. Manage the development of siting proposals for competitive projects.

7. Foster strategic relationships and initiatives that demonstrate AEP’s values when interfacing with internal and external parties concerning siting practices.

8. Manage project siting specialists and project workflow systemwide for competitive and non-competitive projects.

9. Foster AEP’s values and culture as part of regular interactions with various internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements:
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, landscape architecture, planning, environmental science or related field

Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years experience in operations, engineering, environmental or field utility experience; or minimum of five years experience as a Transmission Line siting specialist professional or equivalent position.

Additional Information:

1.) Previous regulatory testimony preparation and supervisory experience is desired.

2.) Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office computer applications is desired.

3.) Excellent written, organizational, presentation, oral communication and time management skills. The ability to handle multiple projects and assignments is critical.

4.) May require extended hours to accomplish assigned tasks to meet requirements and schedules.

Some overnight travel to facilities and projects (field work) is required periodically. Position requires some travel and exposure to situations which require knowledge, understanding, and adherence to applicable safety procedures, and ability to hike one to three miles.

Agility -- Demonstrating creativity and resilience as we take risks and bold steps. Expecting change and readily adapting to meet new demands.

Becoming a Business Advisor -- Adding customer equity by creating valued business partnerships with customers; proactively identifying business opportunities for the customer; conveying a firm understanding of the customer's business and political drivers.

Building a Successful Team -- Using appropriate methods and a flexible interpersonal style to help build a cohesive team; facilitating the completion of team goals.

Business Acumen -- Using economic, financial, market, and industry data to understand and improve business results; using one's understanding of major business functions, industry trends, and own organization's position to contribute to effective business strategies and tactics.

Collaboration -- Achieving greater results by working together across boundaries, actively sharing information, and promoting a sense that we're all in this together. Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.

Continuous Improvement -- Originating action to improve existing conditions and processes; identifying improvement opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions.

Decision Making -- Evaluates resources, criteria, and consequences to reach a decision. Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Initiating Action -- Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.

Innovation -- Generating innovative solutions in work situations; trying different and novel ways to deal with work problems and opportunities.

Shared Commitment -- Understanding the big picture, knowing what needs to be done, taking initiative, and working with a sense of urgency and accountability.

Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills -- Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise.