Renewable America is committed to investing in end-to-end development of local small utility-scale solar+storage and multi-customer community microgrids projects. Through this infrastructure improvement we provide emergency power to vulnerable populations and critical facilities during grid outages. Dispatchable renewable energy can transform the traditional grid through decentralized generation and create Local Resiliency. Our vision is to lead the way to the future of Community Microgrids by developing projects in strategic locations while minimizing possible environmental impacts on the land.
Our extensive services include engineering, financing, construction, and maintenance. With every project, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our communities with economic development and renewable energy access. Renewable America has over 320 megawatts (MWdc) of solar and 680 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage projects under development throughout California. Our projects are strategically located to provide maximum benefit to the region, while also meeting the community's demand needs.
Job Description:
As an Environmental and Permitting Associate at Renewable America, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the company's solar projects adhere to environmental regulations and acquire the required permits for successful development and operation. You will work closely with project teams, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to navigate the permitting process and maintain environmental compliance.
Responsibilities: • Coordinate closely with RNA's team members, including land acquisition, engineering, and finance. • Select and manage environmental consultants responsible for completing desktop studies, field assessments, reports, and project descriptions required for city/county/state permit approvals. • Collaborate with permitting authorities, environmental groups, land conservation groups, and local communities to ensure timely receipt of relevant permit approvals. • Manage the submittal process and track the progress of permitting. • Inform leadership of key permitting issues and identify critical next steps, forming an action plan to minimize schedule, cost, and risk impacts. • Assist the team with the preparation of RFO/RFP bids. • Assist in the due diligence of new projects by identifying timelines, costs, and potential permitting roadblocks.
Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. • Minimum 1-3 years of experience with city/county/state permitting for ground-mounted commercial solar development. • Experience in the renewable energy industry is a plus. • Knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting processes related to solar energy projects. • Proficiency in environmental processes, such as CEQA. • Ability to analyze environmental reports (e.g., Biological Resources Assessment, Cultural Resources Assessment, Hazardous Materials) and determine critical next steps. • Experience in identifying and resolving issues related to surface, mineral, gas, and oil rights. • Land-related experience, including acquisition, title, and negotiations for options, leases, or purchases (preferred). • Ability to aggregate and roll up project status reports. • Experience in overseeing project execution progress and identifying potential risks. • Excels at proactive and creative problem-solving. • Proficiency in using relevant software and tools (specific software/tools may be listed if required). • Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Ability to work effectively in both team settings and independently. • Position is based in person in our Santa Clara office.