Permit Engineer

Kern Energy CA; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy firm is looking for a Permit Engineer in Bakersfield, California. The successful candidate will manage environmental compliance and permitting activities, ensuring adherence to regulations. Responsibilities include permit application preparation, liaison with agencies, and risk assessments. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 3-5 years of experience in environmental permitting are required. Strong communication and organizational skills are must-haves for this role, along with project management abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline is required.
• 3–5 years of experience in environmental permitting or compliance, preferably in refining or petrochemical sectors.
• Experience preparing Title V air permit applications is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and submit permit applications and renewals.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Perform engineering calculations to assess air emissions impacts.
• Support project teams by integrating permitting needs into schedules.
• Identify potential permitting risks and provide mitigation strategies.
• Streamline the permitting process to improve compliance.
• Maintain records of permit applications and approvals.
• Support environmental reporting, audits, and inspections.
• Stay current with environmental regulations affecting the industry.

Skills

Understanding of environmental permitting processes

Experience with EPA and SJVAPCD

Excellent organizational skills

Effective written and verbal communication

Strong project management skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering

3–5 years of experience in environmental permitting

Job description

Position Summary

Kern Energy is hiring a Permit Engineer that will be responsible for supporting environmental compliance and project execution by coordinating and managing permitting activities across multiple regulatory agencies. This position ensures that required environmental permits are obtained, maintained, and renewed in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations and project schedules. The Permit Engineer will work primarily with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) and may additionally work with agencies such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other environmental authorities. The successful candidate will exhibit Kern’s core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection.

Job Function

• Prepare, review, and submit permit applications, renewals, and modifications for refinery and capital projects.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, including CARB, air districts, and water districts, ensuring clear communication and timely resolution of permitting issues.
• Perform complex engineering calculations and analyses of the design and operation of various industrial processes and air pollution control equipment to quantify and assess air emissions impacts.
• Support project teams by identifying permitting needs early in project development and integrating requirements into design and execution schedules.
• Review proposed projects and modifications for potential environmental impacts and permit implications. Identify and assess potential permitting risks, providing mitigation strategies to project teams to minimize impact on project timelines and budgets.
• Develop and implement strategies to streamline the permitting process, reduce project delays, and improve regulatory compliance.
• Maintain organized records of permit applications, correspondence, and approvals.
• Support environmental reporting, audits, and inspections as needed.
• Stay current with changing local, state & federal environmental regulations, standards, and permitting procedures affecting the refining industry and ensure project adherence to all permitting guidelines.

Qualifications

Knowledge Skills

• Strong understanding of environmental permitting processes and regulatory frameworks, particularly related to air, water, and waste.
• Experience working with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). Familiarity with agencies such as California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.)
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, regulatory correspondence and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and environmental management systems or databases.

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years of experience in environmental permitting or compliance, preferably in the refining, petrochemical, or industrial manufacturing sectors.
• Experience preparing Title V air permit applications.