Environmental Permitting Manager (California)

Description

Job Summary

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. 

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• 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. 

Requirements

Education and Experience, Knowledge Skills & Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required

• 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.

Preferred

• 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. 

Competencies

• 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.

Other

This is a remote based position; however, preference will be given to candidates able to travel occasionally (up to 20% travel). 

Some overnight travel may be required – up to 20% travel 

Driving required: 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.”

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Mostly sedentary work. 
• May exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amounts of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. 
• Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. 
• Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. Some overnight travel may be required – up to 20% 
• Ability to be present in field in challenging terrain and/or during inclement weather at times.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• This position is remote and generally is performed in an office and/or hybrid work environment. 
• The employee regularly utilizes computer systems, software, and standard office equipment to perform job duties. 
• The work environment is generally sedentary and characterized by moderate noise levels and frequent communication with internal and external business partners.
• Some travel to customers and sites 
• Some onsite visits may present challenging terrain and inclement weather. 

Terra-Gen is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws and regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with federal, state or local requirements such as the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Employees must be authorized to work in the US and employment is contingent upon presentation of acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization, as detailed on Form I-9.

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.

The posted compensation is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California. This salary range may also be modified in the future, depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.