The candidate for the position of Permitting Project Manager will be based out of our San Francisco or Long Beach, CA office. Duties will include project management of permitting and land use entitlement, coordination with AHJs and other agencies, and internal AES teams. The position involves coordination with developers, real estate, execution, community relations and other groups within AES, and across multiple offices. The successful candidate will have the aptitude to succeed in managing multiple projects and supporting business development efforts in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
Core Competencies:
- 3-5+ years of experience permitting projects in the utility-scale renewable energy field
- Exceptional organizational, communication, decision making/problem solving, analytical and time management skills.
- Independent thinker able to thrive in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
- Proven ability to produce error-free work under deadline.
- Team player with strong initiative, able to work autonomously to complete tasks.
- Track record of ability to instill confidence as a credible, reliable and expert support resource for team members in technical matters.
- Knowledge and experience in federal and state regulatory processes and environmental impact analyses (including NEPA/CEQA assessments).
- Passion for the renewable energy industry.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
The Permitting Project Manager will partner with cross-functional teams in activities leading to the successful execution and delivery/hand off of new solar and battery storage projects to the Execution Team for construction and operations. Specific duties will include:
- Secure land use (i.e. CUP, GPA, Zone Change) and environmental (i.e. ITP, SAA, 401/404) permits for new and acquired solar and battery storage projects across multiple local, state, and federal jurisdictions.
- Oversee environmental analysis processes associated with local, state, and federal permits.
- Manage technical and environmental studies for PV solar and battery storage development.
- Identify and implement novel mitigation strategies to reduce project cost and impact.
- Successfully negotiate project design and mitigation measures with local, state, and federal regulators to ensure project success.
- Manage contractors, vendors, and consultants to maintain project timeline and budget.
- Draft original text for use in project origination support, public education, and investor reporting materials.
- Once a project is permitted, seamlessly transfer to the Project Execution Team for construction management. Provide ongoing support to the team, as required, throughout the construction process.
- Assist with permitting and environmental compliance throughout the construction and operation of projects.
- Act as a representative for AES in meetings with the community, elected officials, and regulators.
- Assist in cost reduction initiatives, vendor development, and invoice audits.
Desired Skills and Expertise:
- Proven track record of expertise in development, preferably in utility-scale environment.
- Experience with CEQA, NEPA, and similar environmental review processes.
- Project and case management skills including a strong aptitude for managing and prioritizing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Ability to communicate efficiently in verbal and written correspondence.
- Experience with land use entitlement processes, environmental analyses, and environmental regulations.
- Knowledge of solar renewable energy construction process; real estate development; renewable energy projects/assets evaluation and acquisition.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Microsoft Office, project management software.
- BA/BS degree.
AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 to confirm work authorization.
