Vice President-Environmental Regulatory & Permitting

About the role

Lead and develop a diverse team to successfully implement and manage comprehensive environmental permitting strategies for the design, construction, and operation of processing facilities, pipelines, terminals, and related infrastructure. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by coordinating internal and external resources, maintaining strong stakeholder alignment, and proactively addressing permitting challenges to support the company’s environmental and operational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a diverse team of professionals (both in office and remote) to achieve company environmental and regulatory project and operations objectives.
• Implement overall environmental permitting strategies for the successful design, construction, and operations of processing facilities, pipelines, terminals, and associated infrastructure.
• Manage and coordinate internal & external resources to navigate and successfully complete permitting actions in accordance with requirements of key regulatory authorities, including BLM, USACE, FERC, USFWS, and other applicable federal, state, and local authorities.
• Formulate, plan, and execute complex permitting strategies that keep all impacted internal and external stakeholders aligned on project and operational goals while ensuring scheduling and budgeting goals are maintained.
• Communicate with the overall project team, properly relay critical permitting details, understand constructability concerns, and provide pertinent updates during project meetings.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Government Affairs, Operations, and other relevant groups to keep all parties apprised of permitting needs, potential obstructions, and to formulate proactive contingency plans.
• Communicate project and permitting specifics with the appropriate regulatory officials.
• Develop and maintain partnerships/relationships with key external resource providers and consultants.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields. Other degrees or experience may be considered if applicable to environmental permitting and compliance in the oil and gas industry.
• Experience/Specific Knowledge:
  • Minimum 15 years of experience in environmental permitting and compliance with demonstrable increase in responsibility and independence.
  • Minimum 10 years of direct management experience of permitting resources within a project execution environment.
  • Experience working in the energy transportation industry (oil, gas, or electrical transmission).
  • Experience working with state, federal, and tribal environmental agencies.
• Certifications, Licenses & Registrations: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of pertinent regulations/programs including CAA, CWA, ESA, NRHP, NPDES, MBTA, and NEPA.
• General experience with CAA permitting & compliance activities in the midstream energy space.
• Experience with facility operational SPCC and response plans (ERP, FRP, etc.).
• Experience with due diligence on Merger & Acquisition (M&A) projects.
• Experience developing scopes of work and request for proposal (RFP) packages.
• Understanding of developing regulations and the role of Environmental Justice in permit acquisition.
• Ability to inform stakeholders of potential NGO influence and formulate communication plans.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong problem‑solving orientation; experience working in multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and/or agency offices (up to 30% travel anticipated).
• Familiarity with processing, midstream, and terminal construction a plus.
• Strong time management; ability to manage multiple tasks/projects with tight deadlines.
• Experience managing internal and external resources.
• Ability to create and implement development plans to motivate and grow internal resources.
• Capability to create a culture of accountability and ensure adherence to objectives.
• Positive, energetic, self‑motivated attitude with strong initiative.
• Excellent leadership and mentorship capabilities.
• Detail‑oriented and resourceful.

Physical Demands

• Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods.
• Regularly required to use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel.
• Required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to walk and climb or balance.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lb; occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lb.

Working Conditions

May be required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non‑working hours. The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes – this role includes direct management of permitting resources and team development.

About Us

Tallgrass was named one of the Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life. At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well‑being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.

Benefits

• Industry‑competitive pay
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Infertility coverage
• Parental leave
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
• Wellness programs and mental health resources
• Employer‑paid life insurance, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability coverage
• Critical illness & accident insurance
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
• Identity theft protection
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous tuition reimbursement program
• Company‑paid holidays and floating holidays
• Company vehicle (if applicable)
• Employee discounts on vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
• Networking and employee engagement events
• Personal development opportunities to grow your career based on strengths and interests