Role and responsibilities
The Environmental Associate will be responsible for assisting the Environmental Planning and Permitting Team with the management of environmental planning and permitting activities during project due diligence, planning, preconstruction, construction, and operational phases through project closeout associated with Primergy’s portfolio of solar projects. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in the renewable energy industry, specifically in North America, the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas, and the ability and enthusiasm to successfully assist in the execution of projects.
RESPONSIBILIIES INCLUDE
· Environmental permitting scoping, scheduling, bidding, and contracting
• Assist with project scope planning and management of environmental and permitting consultants work tasks for assigned projects.
• Work with outside consultants to assist in the review of environmental project approvals and supporting documentation to ensure that owner scope is budgeted appropriately, and scope is clearly delineated in the respective contract(s). Examples of relevant jurisdictional-specific documentation includes those related to local counties, air quality districts, state environmental protection agencies, USFWS, BLM, NEPA and CEQA or applicable state SEPA laws.
• Track all environmental and land use permit conditions and mitigation measures necessary for projects during the development stages through transition to operations.
· Travel to project sites and stakeholder engagement during initial siting, preconstruction, and construction activities
• Participate in site visits to project locations, prior to EPC contracting and construction start, to assist with site reconnaissance and due diligence efforts relating to site conditions.
• Travel to site locations to meet with EPC contractors, team members, and consultants to assist in the management of the environmental permitting condition compliance during construction activities and review the reporting methodologies, document control and site conditions.
• Meet in person with regulators and stakeholders, as needed, to assist the project team in facilitating a successful collaboration in representing Primergy for environmental compliance and air/water construction permitting.
· QA/QC of environmental reporting, mitigation measure condition compliance and air/water construction permitting documents during the preconstruction, construction, and project closeout phases of a project
• Assist environmental lead with the review of environmental reports and surveys prepared by consultants for compliance with local, state and federal policies to ensure project remains in compliance and meets all obligations set forth in the approved environmental permitting project documents.
• Assist environmental lead with the review of permitting reports and amendments, as needed, being prepared by consultants and/or EPC for compliance with regulations and permit conditions.
• Assist with maintaining project schedules via Microsoft Project.
· Ensure that the Primergy environmental study and permitting standards and document control are adhered to during all phases of the project
• Assist with maintaining proper records and participate in audit processes of the EPC as it relates to the environmental compliance and air/water construction permitting activities during construction to support a successful project closeout.
• Assist with the management consultant and third-party reporting of field surveys for biological, avian, botany and cultural resources.
· Support environmental and permitting aspects of project financing activities
• Assist the project team on environmental permitting components and ensure that data rooms are populated and organized in accordance with company naming nomenclature and standards, including during support of financing activities. Address due diligence questions related to environmental permitting.
· Communicate with all parts of the organization successfully
• Ability to communicate and sync cross-functionally regularly to minimize project risks with various team members, including Project Development, M&A, Legal, Origination, Finance, and Operations.
• Participate in regularly scheduled project team calls, prepare agendas and meeting minutes, and identify key action items. Work collaboratively with and be responsive to requests from internal colleagues.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
· 5% - Other duties as assigned.
· Approximately 30% travel required.
· Requires an undergraduate degree at minimum.
· 5-7 years of relevant renewable energy development experience.
· Possess an understanding of environmental planning and permitting, compliance and reporting, and discretionary permitting conditions.
· Solar development and energy storage development experience is required.
· Previous experience working in a commercial environment with excellent counterparty focused, customer management, negotiation, and influencing skills, is preferred.
SKILLSET
· Unparalleled honesty and integrity.
· Highly energetic and results-driven with a teamwork attitude.
· Track record supporting successful permitting of renewable energy projects.
· A general understanding of federal, state and local permitting requirements for a solar development project over multiple jurisdictions and US regions; including discretionary land use permits (ie, conditional use permits, special use permits, zone changes/amendments, and general/comprehensive plan amendments, BLM/BOR/BIA/DOE Rights-of-Way) and natural resource permits across the U.S. 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.
· Ability to stay current with changing regulations and trends influencing permitting and permitting compliance requirements of renewable energy is required.
· Skills and knowledge with a combination of renewable energy technologies are required.
· Ability to concisely frame issues by providing context, analysis, recommendations, and risk/benefit tradeoffs, both in written and verbal format to project teams and to senior management.
· Ability to create control and influence over the costs, terms, and schedules of key environmental and permitting milestones.
· Commercial mindset, strong prioritization, communication, and organizational skills are required.
· Ability to quickly step into new tasks and adapt to unique circumstances in a dynamic environment.
· Successfully operating in a geographically dispersed organization is a plus.
· Willingness to work extended hours, when necessary.
· Ability to enjoy life, find time for oneself, and re-charge when time allows. We seek people who can manage a dynamic schedule.
At Primergy we are committed to providing and maintaining a workplace that is free of known hazards. To better safeguard the health of our employees and their families, our customers and visitors, and the broader community, we have implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. All new hires must be fully vaccinated by their hire date. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to start. Consistent with applicable law, reasonable accommodation will be considered in response to requests.
Primergy is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. We recognize that underrepresented groups such as women and BIPOC may be less likely to apply to a role if they don’t meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We encourage you to apply if you meet some of the qualifications and if this role is aligned with your career aspirations and interests.
Primergy Solar is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status.