Permitting Associate (m/w/d)

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 Permitting Associate to support permitting activities 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

• Execute permitting strategies specific to the project in collaboration with the Permitting Manager, Project Developer, 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
• Research Federal, State and Local land use and environmental regulations and draft detailed zoning analyses/permitting analyses for prospective sites
• 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
• 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
• Support managing and contracting with external specialist consultants, including drafted requests for proposals and reviewing proposals received
• Review/comments on public hearing submission items (i.e., noise studies, notice documents, visual renderings, etc.)
• Support negotiations 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 the development of a portfolio of battery energy storage system projects
• Analyze or assess regulatory policy implications to siting and permitting
• Prepare responses to permitting agency information and/or data requests
• Represent our projects in stakeholder meetings, hearings, and other public forums.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience obtaining required permitting/siting/zoning/land use/environmental approvals for large scale/complex real estate or infrastructure development
• Experience obtaining permits for utility companies, renewable energy companies, telecommunications companies or industrial/commercial land uses preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in related subject; 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 effectively manage multiple priorities and deliver timely, high-quality results
• Experience working with Microsoft products including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a cross-functional environment with both technical and non-technical team members who are geographically dispersed
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse, fast-paced team
• Must be flexible and detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills
• 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, and Palm Beach.

The expected salary range* for this position begins at $90,000. 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.