Permitting & GIS Associate (m/w/d)

Plus Power is an energy storage market leader, with a market-leading 10+ GW portfolio across more than 25 states that will transform North American electric grids into cleaner and more versatile critical infrastructure.

Standalone energy storage is rapidly transforming the North American energy markets, because it is cheaper than new natural gas plants, faster to build than fossil peakers or transmission, and able to perform diverse energy services. Plus Power partners with electricity system operators, utilities, and investors to originate, develop, finance, own and operate standalone energy storage projects that provide critical services to the wholesale electric market. Plus Power's team applies an intentional mindset to energy storage development by using a data-driven approach to development and operations.

At Plus Power, we are focused on solving hard climate problems, profitably. We are growing fast, and value candidates who, like us, share a focus on setting high expectations, owning and learning from mistakes in the spirit of radical transparency, and are committed to internal partnering as a key element of our ideas meritocracy. Our team praises Plus Power's culture and excels through our game-changing mission and supportive ecosystem.

About the Role

Plus Power recruits outstanding energy industry professionals who are driven to develop, build and operate assets safely and reliably to decarbonize the power markets while growing their careers. Our team looks for data-driven and fact-based mindsets, engaging and collaborative behaviors, and personal growth-focused professionals.

In order for the global energy system to make the transition from a carbon-based grid, to a renewable energy grid, large scale energy storage must be introduced into the electricity system to balance intra-hour supply and demand. Energy storage is the enabler of high penetration variable renewable generation like solar and wind.

Plus Power is looking to hire an experienced Permitting Associate to support permitting activities, environmental surveys, and to manage our Geographic Information System (GIS) platform for multiple battery energy storage projects across our portfolio. The Permitting Associate will report to the Permitting Manager and support all aspects of project permitting from inception to commercial operation.

Responsibilities

• Global Information Systems (GIS)
  • Maintain Plus Power's online mapping system (GIS platform), including data standardization and support for new users.
  • Load and manage data for individual project sites into the GIS platform using a standardized system from various technical teams, including the real estate, engineering, and environmental permitting experts
  • Support other GIS users at the company with data analysis and map preparation
• Permitting Strategy
  • Execute permitting strategies specific to the project in collaboration with the other Permitting team members, Project Developers, Real Estate, and other departments within Plus Power
  • Support land-use and environmental permitting processes specific to multiple ongoing projects across multiple states, from conception through development
  • Support project planning and scheduling in support of the development of a portfolio of battery energy storage system projects
  • Work with technical staff and project developers to ensure project designs are consistent with permitting requirements and constraints
  • Research specialty topics and prepare summary memos
  • Prepare content to support Plus Power's commercial team in submission of proposals to utility requests for proposals (RFPs)
• Local, State, Federal Permitting
  • Research Federal, State and Local land use and environmental regulations and draft detailed permitting analyses to identify necessary environmental permits for prospective sites
  • Analyze or assess regulatory policy implications to siting and permitting
  • Support managing and contracting with external specialist consultants, including preparing requests for proposals, reviewing proposals received, and managing those contracts using our internal contracting software
  • Support the preparation of permit applications to governmental agencies, coordinate with external subject matter experts, prepare hearing testimony outlines, represent Plus Power's position in public forums and meetings
  • Review and contribute content for public hearings; represent our projects at stakeholder meetings and hearings
  • Support negotiations with regulatory agencies to achieve acceptable operating permit conditions consistent with project schedules, costs, and environmental sustainability objectives
  • Prepare responses to permitting agency information and/or data requests

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as urban planning, engineering or environmental areas; advanced degree preferred
• 2-4 years of experience obtaining required permitting/siting/zoning/land use/environmental approvals for large-scale/complex development
• Experience obtaining permits for utility companies, renewable energy companies, telecommunications companies or industrial/commercial land uses preferred
• Detailed understanding of federal, state, and local permitting and environmental regulatory statutes and frameworks across multiple states
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while delivering timely, high-quality results is a must
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams who are geographically dispersed
• Highly organized with impeccable attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to think creatively, bringing innovative ideas and solutions to complex challenges
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in the Microsoft suite of tools and applications including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Excel
• Travel required as necessary to support siting and permitting plans, activities, internal meetings, stakeholder meetings and other related tasks, including possible weekend and evening travel

Compensation, Location, and Benefits

Highly competitive total compensation from one of North America's leading energy storage developers, owners and operators. Flexible, work from home or hybrid work from Plus Power's offices in San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, New York, Palm Beach and Birmingham.

The expected salary range* for this position begins at $110,000. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, geographic labor market, and other factors consistent with applicable law. This position is also eligible to participate in our annual bonus program.

Plus Power offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, unlimited vacation, flexible remote work, work from home stipend, educational assistance, parental leave, and a highly engaging company culture with opportunities for in-person connection and learning and growth.

Plus Power is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds can thrive. Plus Power is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.