GCI

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Energy Storage & Solar Permitting Manager

LOCATION: Ithaca, NY or Emerald Isle, NC

REPORTS TO: Head of Development

Pay: $60,000-100,000 Base + Bonus

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for leading all permitting activities for utility scale energy storage projects throughout the United States. This role will also be charged with building and leading a growing permitting team within an environment of rapid growth.

THE COMPANY

GCI’s founders studied leading IPP’s from within for 10+years; with the sole goal of identifying the most lucrative business model and executing it. GCI is the product of those efforts. GCI captures land and converts it to the most profitable grid-connected use cases. Our team has experience developing, constructing, and operating large-scale grid connected infrastructure, including 100s of MWs of energy storage, thermal and solar. GCI has offices in Ithaca, NY and Emerald Isle, NC. Visit our website at www.gci.energy

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Secure all necessary permits required to construct and operate utility-scale energy storage projects, considering varying jurisdictions, application requirements, fees, anticipated approval times, required studies and likelihood of securing permits.
• Perform environmental/permitting due diligence for development and acquisition, including preparing lists of required permits, timelines.
• Develop and implement permitting strategies, schedules, and agency/public outreach efforts to minimize project cost and risk and ensure compliance with environmental and land use regulations.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external consultants to produce plans and reports, ensuring content quality and compliance.
• Liaise with local, state, and federal agencies as required.
• Engage key stakeholders at state and local levels, holding virtual and in-person meetings to implement permitting plan and build critical relationships.
• Identify, assess, and communicate site-specific permitting and jurisdictional risks to the development team, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Attend County/Town Planning Department meetings and hearings and build relationships with local stakeholders.
• Maintain organized project timelines, records, and paperwork.

Other Responsibilities:

• Provide support for special projects and other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Qualifications:

•  BA/BS Degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of experience and education.
•  5+ years proven track record of managing the permitting and AHJ approval process for large scale infrastructure development (Renewables/energy storage a plus).
• Possess extensive experience in engaging with state and local authorities, environmental stakeholders, and public forums to advocate for project development.
• Proficient in building and overseeing a substantial network of environmental and engineering subcontractors, while also demonstrating expertise in environmental analysis and compliance with regulations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Extremely high attention to detail, and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to present permitting timelines in an organized a understandable manner for both expert and non-expert audiences.
• Self-starter, self-reliant and capable of operating with minimum supervision with a strong sense of personal responsibility and ownership.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and deliver high-quality work within deadlines, demonstrating strong initiative as a team player.
• Familiarity with federal, state, regional and local environmental and conservation laws, guidelines, and policies (ESA, NEPA/CEQA, FEMA, CWA).
• Proficient in real estate development and construction process, including environmental assessments, investigations, documentation, and land use planning.
• Ability to use GIS based tools / Google Earth.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ESRI ArcGIS preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work in an office environment.
• Ability to work at a computer and computer monitor and use repetitive motion for long periods of time.
• Ability and willingness to travel (up to 20%)

BENEFITS

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), and voluntary benefits.
• PTO and other paid leave options.

NOTES

• We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates with various work authorizations.

GCI