Environmental Permitting Specialist

Hanwha Energy USA•Houston, TX

3d•$110,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Environmental Permitting Specialist supports the development and operation of gas-fired power generation projects by leading and coordinating environmental permitting and regulatory compliance activities. This role focuses on air, water, and related environmental permits, development of permitting strategies, and required regulatory reporting to ensure timely approvals, compliance, and operational flexibility. The ideal candidate has a strong working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, experience working with regulatory agencies, and the ability to develop practical permitting approaches that support project timelines and ongoing operations. Experience in Texas and PJM states is strongly preferred. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All duties will be assigned in accordance with applicable laws and company policies. Periodic travel (approximately 20–30%) to project sites, regulatory meetings, or agency offices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in environmental permitting, compliance, or regulatory support for power generation or similar industrial facilities.
Working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, particularly air and water programs.
Experience preparing or coordinating permit applications and regulatory reports.
Ability to communicate effectively with regulators, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience permitting or supporting operations in Texas (TCEQ) and/or PJM states.
Familiarity with gas-fired power generation facilities (simple-cycle, combined-cycle, or cogeneration).
Experience with annual emissions inventories, GHG reporting, or water discharge reporting.
Prior involvement supporting regulatory inspections or audits.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement environmental permitting strategies to support new and existing gas power generation facilities, balancing regulatory compliance with operational and commercial needs.
Support project development teams by identifying permitting requirements early and helping align permitting schedules with construction and operational timelines.
Prepare and manage applications for air permits, water permits, and other environmental approvals required for development, construction, and operations.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders (engineering, operations, legal, commercial) to ensure proposed operating scenarios are accurately reflected in permits.
Identify opportunities to streamline permits, reduce approval timelines, and maintain flexibility for future operational changes.
Serve as a primary point of contact with state and federal regulatory agencies, including TCEQ and environmental agencies in PJM states.
Participate in meetings, calls, and correspondence with regulators to clarify requirements and address questions during the permitting process.
Assist with public notice activities and responses to agency or public comments where required.
Prepare and coordinate routine regulatory reports, including: Air emissions reporting and annual emissions inventories Water discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) Greenhouse gas (GHG) and other applicable federal or state reporting Permit-required certifications and compliance reports
Track permit conditions and reporting obligations to ensure accurate and timely submittals.
Support plant operations with interpretation of permit requirements, reporting instructions, and recordkeeping expectations.
Assist with regulatory audits, inspections, and follow-up actions as needed.
Support permitting and compliance needs for plant modifications, maintenance projects, and operational changes.
Help evaluate whether proposed changes require permit updates, notifications, or regulatory approvals.
Maintain organized permitting and compliance records and support internal compliance tracking systems.
Assist in developing compliance guidance and training materials for internal teams.