Senior Manager, Environmental Planning & Permitting

Senior Manager, Environmental Planning & Permitting

WHO WE ARE

“Energizing the Future.”

TransAlta owns, operates, and develops a diverse fleet of electrical generation assets in Canada, the United States, and Australia, providing municipalities, industries, and businesses with safe, low-cost, and reliable clean electricity. For over 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and proud community member where its employees work and live. We are committed to fostering a dynamic, productive, and safe work environment. Our employees contribute to a diverse, open, and transparent culture with clear accountabilities, strong leadership, and challenging opportunities for personal career growth.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our website at transalta.

ABOUT THE ROLE

TransAlta has an opportunity for a Senior Manager, Environmental Planning & Permitting to lead our environmental planning and permitting efforts across our portfolio of renewable and gas-fired development projects. This position reports to the VP of Growth, based in our Calgary downtown office on a hybrid work schedule. Candidates residing in Denver or San Diego would also be considered.

This role will manage a team of two Environmental Planners and work within a development matrix organization alongside key expert hubs such as Stakeholder and Governmental Relations, Regulatory Affairs, Transmission and Interconnection, Resource and GIS, and Engineering.

The successful candidate will bring deep experience in North American permitting processes, particularly in the western United States and Alberta, Canada, ideally with experience across multiple jurisdictions and technologies, as well as a demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary permitting strategies for large-scale energy projects. This role requires expertise in environmental regulations, permitting, due diligence, and stakeholder engagement to support TransAlta’s growth and operational excellence.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

1. Lead all environmental and permitting activities for the company’s renewable and gas development portfolio, from early-stage site evaluation through construction and into operations.
2. Develop and implement permitting strategies that optimize timelines and minimize risks across multiple jurisdictions (local, state, federal).
3. Lead and mentor a team of environmental professionals and other team members, providing guidance on best practices and ensuring consistent application of environmental policies across projects.
4. Manage relationships and negotiations with regulatory agencies (e.g., state environmental agencies, local planning boards, EPA, BLM).
5. Oversee environmental planning processes to ensure that all company projects comply with local, provincial (state), and federal environmental regulations. This includes assessing potential environmental impacts and implementing mitigation strategies.
6. Manage the acquisition of necessary permits and approvals for various projects, coordinating with regulatory agencies and ensuring timely submissions.
7. Oversee the preparation and submission of environmental documents including Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, Special Use Permits, Conditional Use Permits, and air, water, and land use permits.
8. Lead within a matrix organization, collaborating with internal departments, external consultants, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to facilitate communication and address environmental, permitting and regulatory concerns related to company operations.
9. Conduct and manage environmental and permitting due diligence for potential acquisitions, greenfield, and brownfield development opportunities.
10. Monitor and interpret environmental laws and policies that could impact development, advising senior leadership accordingly.
11. Manage third-party consultants, budgets, and timelines associated with environmental and permitting workstreams.
12. Represent the company at public hearings, community meetings, and industry forums.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

1. Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications (e.g., P.Ag, R.P.Bio) may be preferred.
2. 10 or more years in environmental planning, permitting, and compliance within the utilities sector with a focus on renewable energy and natural gas. Experience working with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
3. In-depth understanding of environmental regulations across North American jurisdictions and generation technologies.
4. Proven experience obtaining air quality, water, wetland, and land use permits, including navigating NEPA, SEPA, and similar frameworks.
5. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational and scheduling skills to ensure timely completion of tasks.
6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset suited to a matrixed organization.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and present complex information clearly.
8. Familiarity with GIS mapping and environmental modeling tools.
9. Strong network of regulatory contacts and consultants in key U.S. and Canadian markets.

WHAT WE OFFER

1. Competitive compensation
2. Annual incentive program
3. Pension plan with company-matching options
4. Comprehensive and flexible benefits for you and your family
5. Vacation and personal days
6. Employee Rewards Programs
7. Annual Wellness Payment

To learn more about how we can energize your future, check out our new Employee Experience Booklet.

Become part of our TransAlta team today! We look forward to reviewing your application.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely for a job unless they meet every single qualification. At TransAlta, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse workforce where you can show up every day as your true, authentic self. So, if you’re excited about this role but your qualifications and experience don’t quite tick every box, we encourage you anyways. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

It is our collective mission to ensure that every single employee feels a sense of inclusion and belonging and can show up to work as their true authentic self. TransAlta is committed to hiring a diverse workforce including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community. TransAlta believes that diversity enhances the quality of its performance, is an essential element of effective corporate governance, and cultivates a strong workplace culture.