Environmental Lead (AI)

TL;DR

Environmental Lead (AI): Overseeing environmental governance and community stewardship for a global portfolio of next-generation data center campuses with an accent on regulatory permitting, risk assessment, and long-term sustainability. Focus on integrating environmental performance into site selection, construction, and operations while managing complex multi-stakeholder projects.

Location: Remote (US)

Compensation: $226,000 – $285,000 + Equity

Company

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.

What you will do

• Design and deliver community-aligned environmental programs to improve permitting outcomes and local trust.
• Lead environmental diligence and risk assessment across prospective sites, including water, air, noise, and cultural resources.
• Manage site-level environmental investigations, including Phase I/II ESAs and liability reviews.
• Enforce environmental and community standards across developers, utilities, and joint-venture partners.
• Lead permitting strategies across federal, state, and local agencies, including NEPA and USACE Section 404.
• Oversee environmental compliance during construction and early operations, including stormwater and hazardous materials management.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in environmental permitting, infrastructure development, or large-scale project delivery.
• Hands-on experience navigating complex federal and state regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage consultants and regulators on politically visible, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Strong understanding of how environmental risk translates into financial, schedule, and reputational risk.
• Ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-moving environments while balancing long-term stewardship with aggressive timelines.
• Must be based in the United States.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to shape the infrastructure of the world's most advanced AI platform.
• Competitive compensation package including equity.
• Commitment to safety, human needs, and diverse perspectives.
• Equal opportunity employer with comprehensive non-discrimination policies.
• Supportive environment for applicants with disabilities.