JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Overview

The Environmental Manager leads environmental permitting and related strategy for large-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects across the United States, with a strong preference for California experience. This is an individual contributor role responsible for leading environmental workstreams and managing external consultants across multiple projects. The ideal candidate has a background in natural resources with high technical competency for reviewing survey plans, research studies, study implementation, and interpretation of biological data. The successful hire will work with subject matter experts within the Longroad development team to ensure seamless integration of project design features in permit applications, site plans, wildlife and vegetation plans, and other relevant project documents. Success in this role requires a high level of self-organization, initiative, effective communication, and technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Permitting Strategy and Execution: Lead environmental permitting strategy for large-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects, developing practical pathways to secure approvals and maintain project optionality.
• Site Evaluation and Due Diligence: Screen and evaluate early-stage opportunities and acquisition targets, identifying environmental constraints, opportunities, schedule risks, and budget impacts.
• Technical Environmental Review: Provide biological and natural resources expertise to support survey planning, study execution, data interpretation, and the preparation of permit applications, site plans, and related environmental documentation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with legal, finance, engineering, development, construction, and operations teams to integrate environmental requirements into project design, schedules, and execution plans.
• Consultant and Agency Management: Manage environmental consultants and represent Longroad in interactions with regulatory and resource agencies to advance permitting, compliance, and environmentally responsible project design.
• Construction and Stakeholder Support: Provide environmental compliance guidance during construction and support community engagement, stakeholder outreach, and public-facing permitting efforts, as needed.
• Team and Industry Contribution: Participate in relevant industry and natural resource forums on behalf of Longroad.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, land use, natural resources, environmental science, biology, or a related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience in environmental impact assessment, permitting, and compliance, preferably in energy development, power generation, or transmission.
• Experience navigating complex environmental permitting requirements, including multi-agency coordination, regulatory approvals, and environmental impact assessments.
• Demonstrated experience with federal, state, and local environmental permitting processes and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong technical understanding of energy development issues, including wildlife and habitat assessments, biological resources, cultural resources, and related environmental constraints.
• Proven ability to identify, prioritize, and communicate project risks affecting schedule, budget, and permitting strategy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and project management skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, including trips of up to one week at a time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related natural resources discipline.
• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience permitting solar, wind, or battery storage projects in California.
• Experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including environmental review, documentation, and permitting processes. California Endangered Species Act (CESA) biological survey and permitting experience.
• Experience managing environmental consulting teams, including scope development, scheduling, and budget oversight.
• Working knowledge of site development, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, civil design concepts, and site plan interpretation.
• Experience working directly with project teams, regulators, and stakeholder groups to resolve permitting issues and support public processes.
• Experience presenting environmental or permitting strategies in public meetings or community forums.

Characteristics for Success

• Strategic, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent judgment, accountability, and integrity.
• Effective time management and the ability to prioritize effectively across multiple projects.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, practical, and effective in cross-functional team settings.
• Able to communicate technical issues clearly and build well-supported recommendations.
• Positive, mission-driven mindset aligned with Longroad's values and commitment to responsible development.

Other

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. The Company does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

BENEFITS

Benefits at Longroad include the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, incentive plan participation, 401(k) plan and matching, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Our robust time-off policy includes accrual of 18 vacation days in your first year, paid holidays, and paid volunteer time.  Learn more about our employee benefits.