Do you have experience in renewable energy and have a desire to work for a people-first organization that is rapidly growing? Do you possess exceptional problem solving, analytical, and risk and transaction management skills? And do you believe that accountability, collaboration, focus on safety and having fun ought to be key elements of your job? If you answer yes, read further & consider applying for our role as a Permitting Associate.
What you will do:
The Permitting Associate will manage and support a wide variety of permitting projects throughout WECC and CAISO.
· The Permitting Associate will support the Director of Permitting through responsible development, construction, and operation of utility-scale solar, wind, energy storage, and hydrogen generation facilities across the US.
· Under supervision of the Director of Permitting and the Senior Manager of Permitting & Environmental Compliance, this position is in-charge of permitting and entitlements for a portfolio of projects and will perform environmental-related due diligence, planning, permitting, and compliance work for large-scale energy projects in CA, AZ, NV, WA, OR, ID, UT, CO, WY and MT.
· To fulfill these duties, Permitting Associate will collaborate with internal project teams such as real estate, development, engineering, interconnection, and construction management; external teams such as environmental consultants, engineering consultants, and external legal counsel; and (under the supervision of the Director of Permitting) external stakeholders such as private landowners, local authorities having jurisdiction, state/federal resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
· Assist the Director of Permitting and the Senior Manager of Permitting & Environmental Compliance in development of technical, cost effective, and practical solutions to overcome permitting obstacles throughout the project life, including permits, design, execution and close out.
· Assist the Director of Permitting and the Senior Manager of Permitting & Environmental Compliance by managing environmental and permitting consultants, which includes reviewing proposals, scheduling survey timelines, and ensuring survey methodologies follow resource agency input and satisfy permit conditions/project needs.
· Review technical reports provided by consultants.
· Reports typically include but not limited to habitat evaluations, desktop environmental screenings, threatened/endangered/sensitive species surveys, wetland delineations, avian and bat use surveys, and post-construction monitoring studies.
· Assist the Director of Permitting to conduct environmental and permitting due diligence for development and acquisition opportunities.
· Assist the Director of Permitting and the Senior Manager of Permitting & Environmental Compliance to direct project design in collaboration with development and engineering to ensure compatibility with project and commitments/requirements, best management practices, and minimizing and mitigating environmental impacts.
· Participate in regional and national initiatives, symposia, conferences, and industry groups as needed to achieve Company goals.
· Maintain comprehensive knowledge of environmental policy, regulation and compliance that affect permitting and impacts on project siting and compliance.
What we look for:
· The ideal candidate will be an organized and collaborative initiative-taker with a keen attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks for projects at various stages of development.
· Ability and desire to maintain a complete and organized project record to help the Director of Permitting and the Senior Manager of Permitting & Environmental Compliance demonstrate compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and permit conditions.
· Ability to help manage, identify, and communicate project needs, schedules, and risks across project support teams.
· Work collaboratively and efficiently with internal teams and external parties (e.g., consultants) to execute project work on schedule, and assist the Director of Permitting and the Senior Manager of Permitting & Environmental Compliance to develop strategies to address environmental-related issues.
Qualifications:
· Undergraduate or graduate degree in environmental sciences, geography, or related field
· A minimum of 1-3 years of permitting and environmental studies for renewable energy projects.
· A minimum of 1-3 years of experience with related federal and state environmental regulatory policies and business practices and procedures.
· Baseline knowledge of pertinent environmental statutes, regulations, permitting processes, approval criteria, and protocols.
· Baseline knowledge of system design, construction and maintenance practices for both gas and electric operations.
· Trusted communication skills, and proven ability to interact and present solutions to all levels within an organization.
\nOur Benefits:
We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone at Copia to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We offer flexible work hours and generous benefits to all of our employees that include:
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage (with no premiums)
- 401(k) plan
- Annual bonus eligibility
- Flexible work hours
- Unlimited Paid Time Off
- Wellness Credit
- Life and LD&D Insurance
- Employee Resource Groups
- Professional Development Opportunities
About Copia: Copia Power (“Copia”), is a wholly owned portfolio company of the global investment firm, The Carlyle Group. Copia’s platform is focused on developing, owning, and operating utility-scale sustainable infrastructure in the United States. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For more information, visit www.copiapower.com.
At Copia, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.