Senior Environmental Permitting Manager

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.

Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future. 

Apex is seeking a Senior Environmental Permitting Manager with a focus on state and federal aquatic resources permitting experience to join our environmental permitting team and develop successful renewable energy projects. This position will support our national portfolio of utility scale wind and solar projects and report to the Vice President of Environmental.

As a Senior Environmental Permitting Manager, you will oversee and manage all required environmental compliance specific to local, state, and federal laws, statutes, and regulations for renewable energy projects across the country, with a focus on solar energy projects in the eastern U.S.  In this position, you will review, revise, complete and maintain environmental reports, lead agency coordination, direct and manage the work of niche and specialty consultants, and represent Apex before the local, state, and federal agencies, and public groups, when needed. Additionally, this position will inform near-term high priority project decisions around permitting compliance and risk with regards to the Clean Water Act and its state counterparts, as well as lead the management of aquatic resources permit applications and mitigation.  

Our ideal candidate is an action-oriented problem solver and hard-working team player who can provide direction on overall environmental permitting requirements and resolve complex permitting issues. In addition, this candidate would exhibit leadership qualities to provide aquatic resource regulatory compliance and risk strategies for the entire portfolio, in addition to near-term, high priority projects. This position requires excellent communication and writing skills as well as the ability to balance priorities and shift needs on the go. A passion for renewable energy is a must.

• Hours: Full Time
• Type: Exempt
• Department: Environmental
• Travel: 10-20%
• Office Location: Remote or Headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, or Regional Offices in Lake Elmo, MN or Denver, CO

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert concerning assessment of impacts to aquatic resources, but also have working knowledge of other sensitive resources such as birds, bats, vegetation communities, cultural resources, and associated permit and legal compliance risk assessments and strategies
• Provide day to day direction and management and utilize judgement to resolve complex permitting issues on Projects, including direct oversight on CWA, but also ESA, BGEPA, NHPA permitting and NEPA review requirements, where necessary
• Oversee and manage environmental compliance and permit strategy for relevant local, state, and federal natural resource laws, statutes and regulations, especially with regards to aquatic resources, for near-term high priority renewable energy Projects in various stages of development
• Direct and manage work of niche and specialty consultants including participating in the selection process, scopes of work, schedules, and budgets
• Review, revise, complete, and maintain records of all environmental reports and GIS data and shapefiles
• Ensure completion of permit applications and required reports, licensing and notifications in accordance with local, state and federal laws, statutes and regulations
• Represent Apex before the local, state, and federal agencies, and public groups, when needed
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key allies, stakeholders and regulators

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Environmental Science/Studies, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Management, Environmental Law, or related fields; Master’s degree is preferred
• 10+ years of demonstrable professional working knowledge of regulations, ordinances, and acts relevant to aquatic resources and renewable energy development and construction
  • Proven success obtaining Clean Water Act Nationwide and Individual Permits, including corresponding NEPA documents, and Local and State wetland permits; experience with multiple types of projects and in several states is preferred
  • Previous experience providing guidance and compliance support and expertise to construction teams is a plus
• Experience performing wetland and stream delineations as well as rare, sensitive, threatened, and endangered species surveys specific to wetlands, streams, and corresponding habitats
• Experience with NHPA/SHPO and ESA permit processes; BGEPA permitting is a plus

Work Environment:

Works primarily traditional office hours in an indoor office environment. Flexible work hours allowed when work duties and business operations permit.

How You’ll Grow

At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.

What Apex Can Offer You

At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits.

• A mission-driven, energetic environment that supports and encourages our people to do their best work every day.
• A respect for and celebration of individuality, differences, and uniqueness
• Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential
• Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship
• Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth
• Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities
• Exceptional benefits such as medical and dental; 401(k) with corporate match
• Base and bonus commensurate with experience
• Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays
• Benefits Offered: comprehensive high-deductible health plans, dental and vision insurance plans, short-term and long-term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) corporate matching, flexible spending arrangements, company paid parking and cell phone, fitness and wellness corporate discounts

Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.