Senior Permitting Manager, Western Region - Battery Storage

Plus Power is an energy storage market leader, with a market-leading 10+ GW portfolio across more than 25 US states and Canadian provinces 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 Sr. Permitting Manager within the Development Services team to manage permitting land use and environmental permitting and environmental permitting activities for multiple battery energy storage projects across our portfolio. The Permitting Manager will report to the Director of Permitting and lead all aspects of project permitting from inception to commercial operation. of our standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute permitting strategies specific to the project in collaboration with the Director of Permitting, the Project Developer, and the broader Development Team.
• Manage land-use and environmental permitting processes specific to multiple ongoing projects across multiple states, from conception through development, including:
  • Research Federal, State and Local land use and environmental regulations and draft detailed analyses that describe the permitting challenges and available permitting pathways for prospective sites;
  • Work with technical staff and project developers to ensure project designs are consistent with permitting requirements and constraints;
  • Prepare and submit permit applications to governmental agencies, coordinate with external subject matter experts, manage select external consultants, prepare hearing testimony outlines, represent Plus Power’s position in public forums and meetings;
  • Manage select external consultants to identify environmental constraints, conduct environmental field studies, and prepare environmental reports and analyses to support permit applications and project finance requirements;
  • Review/revise public hearing submission items (e.g., noise studies, notice documents, visual renderings, etc.);
  • Negotiate with regulatory agencies to achieve acceptable operating permit conditions consistent with project schedules, costs, and environmental sustainability objectives;
  • Support project planning and scheduling in support of project development team;
  • Analyze or assess regulatory policy implications to siting and permitting;
  • Manage responses to permitting agency information and/or data requests; and
  • Represent our projects at stakeholder meetings and hearings.
• Provide direction and support to permitting associate team members paired with this Sr Permitting Manager role on select projects.
• Support Compliance Manager during the transition of projects into the construction phase to provide understanding of permit or regulatory conditions applicable for the construction and operation phases.
• Support responses to permitting- or environmental-related information requests received from potential investors to support project finance team.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of experience obtaining required permitting/siting/zoning/land use/environmental approvals for large scale/complex real estate development;
• Experience obtaining permits for utility companies, renewable energy companies, telecommunications companies or industrial/commercial land uses preferred;
• Minimum Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., urban planning, environmental, engineering, etc.)
• JD, ESQ or Master’s degree in urban planning, engineering or environmental areas preferred;
• Detailed understanding of federal, state, and local permitting and environmental regulatory statutes and frameworks;
• Ability to multitask and work well under pressure to meet deadlines across multiple projects simultaneously is a must;
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment in both team and individual settings;
• Must be flexible and detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills; and
• Travel required as necessary to support siting and permitting plans, activities, stakeholder meetings and other related tasks

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, and Seattle.

The expected salary range for this position begins at $150,000. 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 comprehensive benefits program, unlimited vacation, flexible remote work, educational assistance, parental leave, and a highly engaging company culture with opportunities for in-person connection and learning and growth.