Environmental Permitting Manager (California)

Terra-Gen Operating Company LLC•San Diego, CA

4d•$90,000 - $145,000•Remote

About The Position

Develops utility-scale wind, solar and battery energy storage facilities in CAISOPJM, MISO and NYISO markets. Focuses on environmental planning and biological resources permitting for large-scale solar and battery energy storage projects in the development and pre-construction phase primarily in the CAISO market, preparing for planned future growth potential for solar, wind and battery projects into PJM and MISO markets. Collaborate with internal teams such as development, engineering, construction management, as well as external teams like environmental consultants and legal counsel. Participates in trade and industry working groups, analyses of resource agency proposals, and engagement with external stakeholders such as state/federal resource agencies, and conservation organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in planning, environmental science, or biological sciences/natural resources/environmental policy/ environmental resource management.
3+ years in renewable energy or 6-8+ years in a similar industry with experience managing responsibilities like those listed above.
Experience and familiarity interpreting federal and state environmental laws (CEQA/NEPA, CDFW, USFWS/ESA/MBTA, FEMA, USACE/CWA, Porter Cologne), guidelines, and policies, and developing utility scale renewable project strategies for compliance with the same.
Experience and detailed knowledge of environmental policy and regulations that affect permitting and impact project siting and compliance.
Able to attend Lead Agency/Resource Agency meetings and project check-ins.
Must be detail oriented, with the ability and desire to work effectively 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 present complex topics in easy-to-understand communications both verbal and in writing.
Demonstrates patience, tact and courtesy at all times.
Able to act and adapt to a fast-paced business environment with competing deadlines and quickly learn and implement internal processes.
Ability to drive vehicles on Company business and meet Company’s established Driving Criteria, including maintaining a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Established relationships with resource agencies.
Ability to navigate web-based mapping platforms (i.e., Google Earth) to interpret environmental spatial data and identify potential project risks for facilities.
Ability and desire to maintain organized project records and paperwork.
Preference given to residents of California or reside in Pacific time zone.

Responsibilities

Manages multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines for projects in the development and pre-construction phase (planning, scheduling, and resource management, etc.).
Manage consultants working on assigned projects and scopes of work.
Supports preparation and review of permit applications to local, state, and federal agencies.
Coordinates with consultants providing environmental survey support, which includes reviewing proposals, scheduling survey timelines, and ensuring that survey methodologies follow resource agency requirements and satisfy permit conditions/project needs.
Reviews technical reports and recommend edits (e.g., biological surveys, wetland delineations, environmental impact assessment documentation, desktop screenings, cultural, air quality, traffic analyses, post-construction monitoring studies, etc.) to ensure accuracy, defensibility, and alignment with project strategy.
Reviews project design in collaboration with development and engineering to ensure compatibility with project commitments/permit requirements.
Works collaboratively and efficiently with internal teams and external parties (e.g., consultants, legal counsel) to execute project work on schedule and develop strategies to address environmental-related issues.
Represents company as environmental permitting SME in industry associations such as California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA), the Large Solar Association (LSA) and CalWEA related to environmental permitting initiatives, as requested.
Tracks and analyzes proposed resource agency policy changes and/or rulemaking, timelines and impact to Terra-Gen projects, seeking input from internal and external teams. assess company and project-level impacts of proposed policy changes and work with the head of the environmental permitting to develop internal position recommendations.
Identifies emerging resource agency policy changes that could risk permitting timelines or project viability and work with the head of environmental permitting to protectively recommend mitigations plans. Coordinate if asked with local, state and federal agencies.
Supports, when requested, engagement efforts aligned with development priorities.
Supports environmental due diligence for development and acquisition opportunities.
Follows safe work practices and commits to a culture of compliance consistent with company policies including Code of Ethics and Employee Handbook.
Other duties as assigned.