Director, Environmental Permitting - CA

Terra-Gen, LLC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Employee assistance program

Job summary

A renewable energy company is seeking a Director of Environmental Permitting to oversee permitting for utility-scale solar and wind projects in multiple markets. The role requires strong experience in environmental law interpretation and the ability to manage consultant teams. With a focus on collaboration and compliance, the director will engage with stakeholders and ensure smooth project execution. This remote position allows for occasional travel, with a competitive salary range of $160,000 – $200,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in renewable energy permitting or 10+ years in a similar industry.
• Experience interpreting federal and state environmental laws.
• Strong established relationships with agencies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee environmental permitting for projects in CAISO market.
• Collaborate with internal teams to execute project work.
• Guide important environmental-related project decisions.

Skills

Renewable energy permitting

Environmental laws interpretation

Relationship management with agencies

Technical competence in environmental assessment

Leadership skills

Attention to detail

Excellent verbal communication

Fast-paced adaptation

Web-based mapping navigation

Education

BS in biology

Advanced degree in environmental policy or related field

Job description

SUMMARY

As Director, Environmental Permitting 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. To fulfill these duties, you will collaborate with internal project teams such as development, engineering, construction management and finance; external teams like environmental consultants and legal counsel; and external stakeholders such as state/federal resource agencies and conservation organizations.

The ideal candidate will be an organized and collaborative self‑starter with a keen attention to detail, capable of managing consultant teams and at ease developing relationships. This individual must be able to handle multiple priorities and projects at various stages of development. This is a remote‑based position; however, preference will be given to candidates able to travel occasionally (up to 20% travel).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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. Reports typically include but are not limited to: desktop environmental screenings/habitat assessments, biological surveys, wetland delineations, avian and bat use surveys, other analyses prepared for environmental review purposes such as cultural, air quality, traffic, etc.
• Review/build permitting application submittals to guide permit issuance from external stakeholders such as local, state/federal resource agencies.
• Engagement 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.

Salary: $160,000 – $200,000 annually

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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.
• Must be 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.
• Must have 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.

Terra‑Gen is an equal opportunity employer, drug‑free workplace, and complies with Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws and regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and drug screening. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with federal, state or local requirements such as the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Employees must be authorized to work in the US and employment is contingent upon presentation of acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization, as detailed on Form I‑9.

Terra‑Gen provides a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, paid holidays, and 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.

The posted compensation is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California. This salary range may also be modified in the future, depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.