Director, Permitting (CA)

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 a Director of Permitting role on our California Permitting team. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound industry knowledge, superior communications, and detail-oriented organizational skills. Successful candidates will be responsible for leading and directing discretionary land use and natural resources permitting in support of Avantus’ development portfolio. Working in close coordination with various other cross-functional teams including Development, Origination, Engineering, Optimization, Transmission/Interconnection, and Project Finance, the Permitting Director will oversee natural resources surveys, land use applications, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Impact Reports, and other technical reports in compliance with 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, experience within the utility-scale solar or similar industries and demonstrated experience leading discretionary permitting activities for large capital projects. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Plan and oversee the management and advancement of local, state and federal permitting processes.
• Engage with local, state and federal regulatory authorities on a regular basis to assist in the successful execution of Project compliance and permitting activities as well as maintaining an adequate Government Relations program
• Assist Project Development, Origination, Engineering, Transmission/Interconnection and other support teams in understanding the practical implications of existing permits as well as proposed permitting strategies
• Work collaboratively with and be responsive to requests from internal colleagues
• Manage and oversee external consultants by, among other things, assigning tasks and reviewing the scope and quality of work product
• Support project financing activities including sale processes and financial due diligence
• Develop and successfully deliver on aggressive project schedules and budgets
• Travel nationally, as needed, to effectively carry out Avantus’ business goals and objectives
• Build and maintain effective relationships with regulators, service providers and other relevant stakeholders.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, land use planning, ecology, geography, or other relevant field; master’s degree preferred
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in managing compliance and permitting issues. Preference given to candidates with experience in the energy/utilities industry
• Utility-scale solar development experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience in California
• A thorough understanding of CEQA
• Experience obtaining discretionary land use permits (including conditional use permits, special use permits, zone changes/amendments, franchise agreements, general/comprehensive plan amendments, and/or federal Rights-of-Way) and natural resource permits in California
• Experience securing federal approvals/consultations including Section 7 and 10 of the federal Endangered Species Act, NHPA Section 106 Consultation, CWA Section 404 and 402 Permitting, MBTA, and BGEPA
• A thorough understanding of environmental mitigation requirements, and experience implementing cost-effective mitigation strategies
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, analytical and planning abilities, and good judgement
• The ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects simultaneously
• 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
• The ability to work as part of a team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and field questions from internal team members on environmental topics
• An exceptionally strong work ethic and professional demeanor
• Candidates for this position will be motivated self-starters who can work both independently, and as part of a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently as well as in multi-disciplinary teams is required

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