Development Environmental Manager

About the role

Remote, full‑time permanent position reporting to the Director of Permitting & Environmental. The Development Environmental Manager supports and leads environmental permitting for Zelestra's utility‑scale solar, storage, and wind projects, from greenfield through operations, working with M&A, EPC, Engineering, Construction, Development, Finance, and O&M teams on technical studies, environmental regulations, permitting, and authorizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, Natural Resources, Civil/Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in environmental, natural resources, or energy projects, preferably in renewable energy.
• Experience with solar, wind, storage, and/or transmission permitting, environmental due diligence, and environmental fieldwork.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. environmental laws and permitting, including NEPA, the Clean Water Act (Sections 404/401 and NPDES), the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and NHPA Section 106.
• Proven experience managing environmental consultants, study scopes, and budgets.
• Experience working directly with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and written communication skills, including technical reports and permit applications.
• Collaborative, solution‑oriented approach and the ability to influence cross‑functional teams.
• Up to 10–25% travel for site visits, agency meetings, and community meetings.

Responsibilities

• Develop environmental permitting strategies, schedules, and budgets aligned with development milestones.
• Lead environmental due diligence and critical issues (fatal‑flaw) analyses for site origination and M&A acquisitions; identify risks and recommend mitigation.
• Scope, budget for, and manage environmental consultants conducting wetland delineations, biological and protected species surveys, cultural resource surveys, and Phase I environmental site assessments.
• Act as a subject matter expert for natural resource and wildlife issues with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Support engineering and layout teams with micrositing, avoidance, and minimization to reduce environmental impacts and permitting risk.
• Coordinate project environmental work with M&A, Development, Engineering, Construction, Finance, Legal, Government Affairs, and O&M; provide environmental input for financing, tax equity, and investor due diligence.
• Track permitting status, risks, and milestones, and report them to project teams and leadership.
• Represent Zelestra in industry groups and technical committees on environmental and wildlife issues; monitor regulatory changes and report back to the team.

Pay

The anticipated starting salary for this role is $130,000 per year plus a competitive bonus structure. Actual pay will vary depending on job‑related factors such as the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Retirement savings benefits