Director, Environmental Permitting - CA

Terra-Gen Operating Company LLC • San Diego, CA

1d • $160,000 - $200,000 • Remote

About The Position

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).

Requirements

• 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).

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of the USFWS Wind Energy Guidelines, Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance, Section 10 HCPs, USACE Individual Permits (Preferred).
• Preference given to advanced degree in biological sciences/natural resources/environmental policy/environmental resource management or environmental law degree

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees