The Sr. Manager, Permitting is responsible for planning and overseeing discretionary land use and natural resources permitting for utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system projects (PV, hybrid, and standalone storage). This position works in close coordination with various other cross-functional teams including Development, Origination, Engineering, Transmission & Interconnection, Capital Markets, Execution, EPC, and Asset Management. The Sr. Manager, Permitting oversees natural resources surveys, preparation of land use and other permit applications, environmental reports and processes, and the preparation of technical studies and reports in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for utility-scale solar and energy storage projects. The Sr. Manager, Permitting, will work in close coordination with the lead project developer and other members of the project team to help them understand the practical implications of necessary approvals as well as proposed permitting strategies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:- Maintain a deep understanding of discretionary permitting requirements for utility scale solar and battery energy storage projects in assigned region.
- Develop a customized permitting strategy including comprehensive schedule and budget for each project by considering local regional, state, and federal requirements, site constraints, bankability, and other risks.
- Source and manage a team of external consultants including environmental, technical, public relations, local affairs, legal resources, etc.
- Directly manage the permitting process throughout the project
- Regularly communicate and synchronize with internal stakeholders to minimize project
- Direct and manage tax abatements, land use agreements, mitigation settlements, and various other agreements
- Engage community, local, and state institutions for project
- Engage with and manage relationships with local, state and federal regulatory authorities for each
- Represent the project company at public hearings, community meetings, and other local events, and prepare high-quality presentation materials and documents to support project approval.
- Negotiate with local officials regarding permit conditions and economic terms of entitlement
- Oversee and support transition to Project Execution, EPC, O&M, Asset Management, and others to ensure a smooth handoff and compliance with issued permits and conditions of approval.
- Advise on permitting risks, cost, and schedule for potential new sites, both greenfield and M&A.
- Work collaboratively with and be responsive to requests from internal
- Develop and successfully deliver to meet aggressive project schedules and
- Build effective relationships with regulators, service providers and other relevant
- Continue to support permitting and environmental compliance throughout the construction and operation of
- Ability to successfully manage a team of Associates and/or
- Act as a trusted collaborator with the broader development team to support continuous improvement
- Travel nationally, as needed, to effectively carry out Strata's business goals and objectives.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:- Bachelor's degree in environmental science/studies, land use planning, geography, political science, or other relevant field; master's degree preferred.
- A minimum of seven (7) years of experience obtaining discretionary land use permits (including conditional use permits, special use permits, zone changes/amendments, and general/comprehensive plan amendments, BLM/USBR/BIA/DOE Rights-of-Way) and natural resource permits. Arizona experience is strongly preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects simultaneously.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Highly resourceful and able to navigate through key risks.
- Ability to manage a large workload, often providing support to processes managed by colleagues, while prioritizing tasks and effectively juggling competing deadlines.
- Detail-oriented with a strong sense of personal responsibility and ownership of work product.
- Excellent personal organizational, pattern recognition, and negotiation skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, analytical and planning abilities, and sound judgement.
- Ability to work as part of a team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and field questions from internal team members on environmental and other topics pertaining to discretionary approvals.
- Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams
Physical Requirements/Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office environment with periodic travel to sites and frequent travel to support permitting and local affairs. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist, and lift up to 20 pounds. Ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations.
