Permitting Manager – Utility Scale Solar

Job Overview The Permitting Manager – Utility Scale Solar will be responsible for leading, managing, and executing the permitting activities for large-scale solar projects. This role requires extensive experience in the permitting process for renewable energy projects, with a focus on local, state, and federal regulations. The Permitting Manager will work closely with project development teams, environmental consultants, engineers, and government agencies to ensure all necessary permits are obtained in a timely and cost-effective manner, enabling the successful development of utility-scale solar projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Permitting Strategy and Management

• Lead the permitting process for utility-scale solar projects from inception through construction.
• Develop permitting strategies to align with project timelines and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and coordinate with external consultants, legal advisors, and permitting agencies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with local, state, and federal regulatory bodies, including public officials, landowners, community stakeholders, and environmental agencies.
• Present project details to stakeholders and attend public hearings to address concerns related to environmental, land use, and permitting issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key permitting authorities to streamline approval processes.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:

• Oversee environmental review processes, including conducting or coordinating environmental assessments, impact studies, and site evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental laws, zoning requirements, land use regulations, and other permitting obligations.
• Monitor regulatory changes and policy developments that may affect project development and permitting.

Project Coordination and Documentation:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, land acquisition teams, and legal departments, to integrate permitting requirements into project development plans.
• Manage and track all permitting documents, applications, and approvals to ensure timely submission and compliance.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the project development team and senior management on the status of permits and potential delays or challenges.

Risk Mitigation and Problem-Solving:

• Identify and assess potential risks associated with permitting delays, regulatory changes, and environmental concerns.
• Proactively develop solutions and contingency plans to minimize project delays and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in permitting and environmental compliance, preferably within the renewable energy or utility-scale solar sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal permitting processes for renewable energy projects.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of environmental and regulatory permitting, land use planning, and zoning laws.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with regulators, consultants, and community stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
• Strong organizational skills with a detail-oriented approach to managing permitting documentation and project timelines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, environmental assessments, and permitting software.
• Prior experience working on large-scale solar or other renewable energy projects.