Director, Permit Compliance

ABOUT AVANTUS

Avantus is shaping the future by making reliable, low-cost clean energy a global reality. Our legacy of leadership in next generation solar energy includes developing one of the nation's largest solar clusters and one of the first projects to beat fossil fuel prices back in 2016. Today, we are expanding the boundaries of existing technologies to build one of the largest portfolios of smart power plants with integrated storage, capable of providing millions of people with affordable, zero-emission energy – day and night. Through our relentless pursuit of better, we are decarbonizing our planet at the gigaton level, and bringing the advantages of clean energy to all of us.

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a highly motivated and organized candidate for the Director, Permit Compliance position. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound industry knowledge, superior communications, and detail-oriented organizational skills. Working in close coordination with various other cross-functional teams including Permitting, Development, Engineering, Transmission/Interconnection, Project Finance, and Construction Management, the Director will oversee compliance with environmental and land use permit conditions including conditional use permits, state and federal endangered species permits, stream and wetland permitting, wildlife laws and regulations, and compliance with other local, state, and federal regulations for utility-scale solar and energy storage projects. The successful candidate will have at least seven years of experience in land development, demonstrated experience within the utility-scale solar or similar industries is strongly desired. This position requires an understanding of permitting and permit compliance requirements on a subject matter expert level; the Director will manage others with expertise in the field and work hands-on to ensure compliance tasks are completed in line with project needs including budget and schedule.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee permit compliance activities for all projects in the late development through implementation stages including management and direction of permit compliance staff (as applicable) and consultants.
• Direct and execute compliance with permit requirements, tracking and documenting permit stipulations, managing mitigation measures, and reporting for renewable power projects in the SW and CA.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory authorities to assist in the successful execution of Project compliance activities and represent the company's interests.
• Fill the role of subject matter expert on multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Integrate with the rest of the Permitting Team to support permit development and review, including review of permit conditions and evaluating implementation feasibility of permits.
• Provide strategic direction to multi-disciplinary teams on a project level.
• Respond to internal environment-related or permitting inquiries by project owners, and in support of financing and third-party due diligence.
• Produce periodic reports, including tracking and timely filing compliance reports with government agencies.
• Support and lead internal risk and environmental screening processes for projects and M&A opportunities.
• Oversee the development of policies and procedures guiding the company's permit and regulatory compliance program.
• Lead policy/procedure development initiatives within the Permit Compliance Team.
• 20% of travel anticipated to visit operating and under-construction renewable power sites, government agencies, stakeholders meetings, and various industry-related conferences.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's in Environmental Studies, Ecology, Biology, City and Regional Planning, or related field. Master's preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years project management experience required obtaining, maintaining, or managing compliance with land use permits, zoning permits, or environmental impact assessments, for large power, energy, or industrial development projects.
• Expertise with CEQA, NEPA, ESA, state Endangered Species laws, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Section 404 (wetlands), and clean water regulations desirable.
• Experience coordinating with counties and/or municipalities to satisfy MMRP/MMMP and COAs associated with conditional use permits, or similar experience is strongly desired.
• Hands-on knowledge of siting and licensing permits, land use permits, and environmental regulations.
• Understanding of permit compliance requirements in relation to Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contracts.
• The ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects simultaneously, meeting project deadlines.
• The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience working with permitting specialists, regulators, project managers, environmental lawyers, scientists, planners, engineers, and contractors.
• An exceptionally strong work ethic and professional demeanor.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and manage permitting activities independently.
• Candidates for this position will be motivated self-starters who can work both independently, and as part of a team.
• Experience with solar or wind energy project development and construction is required.

#LI-Remote