Director, Environmental Permitting

About the role

You will support the responsible development of utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage facilities in CAISO, PJM, MISO and NYISO markets. You will lead environmental-related planning, permitting and due diligence company-wide for a portfolio of large-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects in the development, pre-construction and operational phases.

Responsibilities

• Oversee environmental permitting and manage tasks delegated to internal team and external consultants for projects in the development and pre-construction phase primarily in the CAISO market; with planned/future growth into other markets such as PJM, MISO and NYISO markets.
• Identify and communicate project needs, schedules, and risks across project support teams.
• Work collaboratively and efficiently with internal teams and external parties (e.g., consultants, legal counsel, agencies) to execute project work on schedule, and develop strategies to address environmental-related issues.
• Make and/or guide important environmental-related project decisions.
• Provide insight into project design in collaboration with development and engineering to ensure compatibility with project commitments/requirements.
• Maintain complete and organized project records and paperwork.
• Conduct environmental due diligence for development and acquisition opportunities.
• Manage consultants providing environmental survey support, which includes reviewing proposals, scheduling survey timelines, and ensuring survey methodologies follow agency input and satisfy permit conditions/project needs and tracking budgets.
• Review technical reports provided by consultants, coordinate edits, and finalize documents for agency submission.
• Engage with federal and state resource agencies to support environmental permitting.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders including federal, state and local agencies.
• Represent Terra-Gen and project teams in external engagements as a subject matter expert for environmental impact assessment and permitting in public meetings, pre-application meetings, networking events, industry groups.
• Knowledge of environmental policy, regulation and compliance that affect permitting and impacts on project siting and compliance.
• Support preparation of longer-term plans and annual budget.
• Lead safe work practices by example and foster a culture of compliance consistent with company polices including Code of Ethics and Employee Handbook.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in renewable energy permitting or 10+ years in a similar industry with experience managing responsibilities like those listed above.
• Experience and expertise interpreting federal and state environmental laws (CEQA/NEPA, CESA/USFWS/ESA/MBTA, FEMA, USACE/CWA, Porter Cologne, and if expanded to NYISO, NY SEQRA/ORES Article VIII/94-c,) guidelines and policies and developing utility scale renewable project strategies for compliance with the same.
• Strong established relationships with agencies and positive reputation with key resource agency regulators.
• Solid grasp of the key environmental impact assessment and management issues within the energy sector (California, Texas and/or New York) as well as a high degree of technical competence and broad knowledge of environmental impact assessment best practices.
• Self-directed and detail oriented, with the ability and desire to work effectively as a leader with positive people skills and in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail, assuring documents and written communications are concise and accurate.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and able to present with clarity and confidence.
• Able to act and adapt to a fast-paced business environment with competing deadlines, and quickly learn and implement internal processes.
• Ability to navigate web-based mapping platforms (i.e., Google Earth) to interpret environmental spatial data and identify potential project risks and siting opportunities for facilities.
• Substantial experience with the California energy sector (and other energy markets as listed above, as applicable).
• Working knowledge of the USFWS Wind Energy Guidelines, Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance, Section 10 HCPs, USACE Individual Permits (Preferred).

Education

• BS in biology preferred.
• Preference given to advanced degree in biological sciences/natural resources/environmental policy/environmental resource management or environmental law degree.

Physical Demands

• Mostly sedentary work.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Repetitive motion.
• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
• Some overnight travel may be required - up to 20% travel (mileage reimbursements based on the current federal mileage rate).
• Ability to be present in field in challenging terrain and/or during inclement weather at times.