Site Permitting Specialist

Fervo Energy • Reno, NV

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Site Permitting Specialist is part of Fervo Energy’s Land, Environment, and Permitting team, which manages property acquisitions and leasing, environmental protection, and regulatory and permitting activities. The specialist leads the planning, acquisition, implementation, and ongoing compliance of permits, land use authorizations, and regulatory commitments supporting geothermal exploration, drilling, power generation, transmission, and related infrastructure projects throughout the western United States.

The role combines strategic permitting with field implementation. The specialist develops permitting and compliance strategies, identifies regulatory requirements, maintains permitting schedules, prepares and oversees permit applications, translates permit conditions into practical field guidance, coordinates inspections, and ensures compliance commitments are implemented throughout the project lifecycle. The position works closely with engineering, geology, environmental, legal, construction, operations, land, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies. It also involves coordinating stakeholders, presenting permitting initiatives to management, and helping improve Fervo’s permitting and compliance programs.

The position is hybrid, with employees expected to work in the office three days per week. Reno, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah, are preferred locations. Approximately 30% travel is required to project sites and for regulatory engagement throughout the western United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Land Use Planning, Land Management, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in permitting, environmental compliance, land management, or project development for geothermal, renewable energy, transmission, mining, or oil and gas projects.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local permitting processes and environmental regulations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, project management, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Ability to interpret complex regulatory documents and translate requirements into practical implementation plans.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously as a self-starter.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship, regulatory excellence, and responsible energy development.
• Ability to travel approximately 30% to project sites throughout the western United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ESRI GIS software and/or CAD.
• Experience developing compliance management systems, inspection programs, or environmental training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
• Knowledge of public land permitting, land rights, reclamation, SWPPP implementation, and geothermal development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated permitting and compliance plans, including schedules, milestones, budgets, field implementation plans, and regulatory strategies.
• Research, identify, obtain, and maintain federal, state, and local permits, approvals, and land use authorizations for project development and operations.
• Ensure compliance with permit conditions, land lease obligations, county zoning requirements, and environmental regulations, including NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act.
• Compile permit and lease conditions into practical compliance guides, field procedures, and training materials for employees and contractors.
• Prepare, review, and submit permit applications and supporting documentation, and maintain complete permitting and compliance records.
• Conduct field visits and internal and regulatory inspections; track corrective actions and coordinate spill-response documentation and other environmental compliance activities as required.
• Collaborate with engineering, geology, legal, environmental, land, project management, construction, and operations teams to resolve permitting challenges and support project execution.
• Serve as the primary liaison with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, and support stakeholder engagement and community outreach.
• Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to permitting strategies, compliance programs, and internal procedures.
• Provide regular status updates, risk assessments, and recommendations to project leadership.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% match.
• Flexible paid time off and paid parental leave.
• Family-building, fertility, hormonal health, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting support through Carrot.
• Dependent care FSA for eligible child and elder care expenses.
• Annual Lifestyle Spending Account for eligible wellness expenses, including fitness, financial planning, pet insurance, and pet care.
• Employee ownership opportunities through the Employee Stock Purchase Program, stock option grants, and bonus opportunities for eligible roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time