Associate, Environmental Permitting (Renewable Energy)

TL;DR

Associate, Environmental Permitting (Renewable Energy): Coordinating discretionary permitting and environmental survey activities for utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects with an accent on regulatory compliance and agency approvals. Focus on managing environmental review processes (CEQA, NEPA), coordinating with external consultants, and optimizing development schedules to reduce permitting risks.

Location: Hybrid (San Francisco, CA, US). Candidates must be based near one of the corporate offices (San Francisco, San Diego, Scottsdale, Houston, Denver, & Princeton).

Salary: $108,000 - $144,000 USD

Company

hirify.global Group is leading the transition to a world powered by clean energy, managing a vast portfolio of wind, solar, and battery energy storage assets across the US.

What you will do

• Coordinate discretionary permitting and environmental surveys for a pre-construction portfolio of utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects.
• Develop strategies for discretionary permit processes and environmental compliance, including managing schedules and budgets.
• Manage data collection, review draft application materials, and coordinate biological and cultural field surveys.
• Interact daily with city, county, and federal government authorities to secure land use permits and agency approvals.
• Collaborate with external consultants and legal counsel to prepare diligence documents and permit opinions.
• Support due diligence for project acquisitions, reviewing zoning, wetlands, and environmental assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, land use planning, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in environmental consulting or the energy/utilities industry.
• Strong understanding of discretionary permit processes and environmental review (CEQA, SEPA, NEPA).
• Experience supporting the acquisition of land use permits such as conditional use permits and zoning amendments.
• Must have valid US work authorization; company will not sponsor non-immigrant visas (H-1B, TN, E-3, etc.).
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 20%.

Nice to have

• Experience with MBTA, BGEPA, and endangered species protection policies (USFWS).
• Familiarity with Section 404 Nationwide Permit Program and Section 401 Water Quality Certifications.
• Knowledge of Agricultural contracts, including Conservation Reserve Program or Williamson Act Contracts.
• Understanding of diverse renewable energy technologies (PV, wind, battery storage).

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work model prioritizing collaboration in-office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and company-contributed HSAs.
• Financial security with 401(k) employer match and eligibility for annual cash bonuses.
• Generous PTO, parental leave, and fertility/adoption assistance programs.
• Professional development support through tuition reimbursement.