Manager, Environmental Compliance & Strategy

Job Description

As a Manager, Environmental Compliance and Strategy at Invenergy, you will play a crucial role in supporting the responsible development, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind and solar energy facilities across the United States. This position involves leading all aspects of environmental compliance, which includes due diligence, planning, permitting, and compliance for a dedicated portfolio of large-scale renewable energy projects. You will collaborate closely with internal project teams, such as development, engineering, and construction management, as well as external teams including environmental consultants, engineering firms, and legal counsel. Additionally, you will engage with external stakeholders, including state and federal resource agencies, private landowners, and conservation organizations, to ensure that all environmental regulations and guidelines are met. The ideal candidate for this role will be an organized and collaborative self-starter with a keen attention to detail. You will need to manage multiple projects at various stages of development, construction, and operations, demonstrating a strong understanding of renewable energy project processes. Your expertise in interpreting and applying federal and state environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the Clean Water Act (CWA), will be essential. You will also be responsible for managing the environmental compliance process for utility-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring that all necessary documentation and communication with regulatory agencies is thorough and accurate. This position will focus on projects primarily located in the Midwest region, and you will be expected to lead federal and state regulatory agency consultations and outreach to environmental non-governmental organizations (eNGOs). Your role will also involve reviewing resource reports, preparing for zoning and permitting hearings, and acting as the environmental subject matter expert during these processes. You will guide environmental compliance for projects transitioning from development to construction, ensuring that all civil construction activities are prepared for and monitored effectively. Participation in regional and national initiatives, symposia, and industry groups will also be part of your responsibilities, as you maintain a comprehensive knowledge of environmental policy and regulations that impact project siting and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement environmental survey and permitting strategies for a portfolio of wind and solar projects in various stages of development, construction, and operations.
• Manage internal and external environmental compliance processes that require regular communication with the project team and third parties, and the development of a complete and organized project record to demonstrate compliance with federal and state wildlife regulations.
• Oversee the development of necessary documents for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and federal and state policies and guidance during project siting, construction, and operations.
• Lead federal and state regulatory agency consultation and eNGO outreach.
• Review resource reports with critical attention to meeting regulatory standards, data and documentation accuracy, and survey objectives, methods, and results.
• Review the environmental sections of local and state siting/special use permit applications.
• Lead on the development and review of water resource and threatened/endangered species permit applications.
• Prepare for and appear as the environmental subject matter expert in county and state zoning and permitting hearings; provide thorough and accurate testimony on behalf of the project.
• Prepare project marketing materials in response to customer RFPs.
• Respond to internal environmental-related inquiries in support of project contracting, project financing, and third-party due diligence.
• 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 develop strategies to address environmental-related issues.
• Guide environmental compliance for projects transitioning from development through construction, including the preparation for civil construction activities and oversight of an environmental compliance monitor throughout the 12+ months of construction.
• Participate in regional and national initiatives, symposia, conferences, and industry groups as needed to achieve Company objectives.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of environmental policy, regulation, and compliance that affect permitting and impacts on project siting and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Experience and expertise interpreting federal and state environmental laws (ESA, NEPA, CWA), guidelines, and policies, and developing project strategies for compliance with the same.
• 5-7+ years in renewable energy or 8+ years in a similar industry with experience managing responsibilities similar to those listed above.
• Must be willing to travel as needed (20%), depending on the needs of the project.
• Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree in biological science/natural resources/environmental policy or environmental law degree.
• Working knowledge of the USFWS Wind Energy Guidelines and Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance.
• Experience with Midwest US, preferably Iowa and/or Illinois, project development or natural resource issues.

Benefits

• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, 401(k), bonus, paid time off, etc.