About the Opportunity
Our client is a leading developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale renewable energy assets across the United States. They are seeking a Senior Permitting Coordinator to support the development of large-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects by managing environmental, land use, and construction-related permitting efforts throughout the project lifecycle.
This role is ideal for a permitting/environmental professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced development environment and partnering cross-functionally to advance impactful infrastructure projects.
Position Overview
The Permitting Specialist will lead and support land use and environmental permitting activities for utility-scale renewable energy development projects. This includes early-stage greenfield site diligence, environmental planning and analysis, permit application management, consultant coordination, and ensuring compliance through construction.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead land use and environmental permitting efforts for renewable energy development projects
- Research and interpret local, state, and federal permitting requirements
- Prepare and manage permit applications including:
- Conditional Use Permits
- Variances
- Zoning Changes
- Text Amendments
- Annexations
- Represent the organization at stakeholder meetings, public hearings, open houses, and community engagement events
- Support local law/code amendment and entitlement processes
- Manage environmental review and permitting efforts related to wetlands, endangered species, archaeological/cultural resources, and related environmental considerations
- Coordinate environmental consultants, obtain proposals, manage scopes of work, and review technical deliverables
- Track permit schedules, milestones, and deliverables; provide regular project updates to internal stakeholders
- Assist in preparation and management of project budgets
- Conduct greenfield site reviews to support project planning and diligence
- Support project mapping and development planning initiatives
- Provide permitting/compliance support through financing and construction phases
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Planning, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 2–5 years of environmental and/or land use permitting experience
- Familiarity with federal, state, and local permitting processes
- Experience with zoning, variances, conditional use permitting, annexation, and comprehensive planning
- Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent written, verbal, and public presentation/communication skills
- Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Willingness to travel up to 25%
Preferred Qualifications
- Renewable energy development experience
- Data center permitting/development experience
- Local government/municipal planning experience
- Familiarity with:
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service coordination
- State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) processes
- State Public Utility Commission permitting
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- ESRI ArcMap / GIS Mapping Tools
- Google Earth Pro
