Renewable Energy Manager

Job Description

At Olsson, we help our clients proactively comply with complicated regulatory processes and provide our clients with the latest and best methods to review projects and maintain compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act-Section 404 and others.

As a Renewable Energy Project Manager, you will manage medium and/or large-sized projects, work with regulators (USACE, USFWS, FERC) to permit renewable energy projects, coordinate with renewable energy clients, and collaborate with team members. You may also mentor and train others on complex work and travel to job sites for observation and field work.

Applicants should have an understanding of the renewable energy industry including wind, solar, interconnection and battery storage, and have experience with environmental permitting components of renewable energy projects.

Work includes the following elements:

Renewable Energy Project Development

Knowledge in renewable energy project development and permit requirements. Understanding the hierarchy in renewable energy companies, funding sources, and steps in permitting and development for a renewable energy project. Experience with county zoning laws and public outreach.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance

Evaluating ESA compliance including threatened and endangered species effects determinations through desktop screenings, habitat assessments, and field surveys. Writing biological assessments and completing informal and formal USFWS coordination.

Field Surveys

In compliance with regulatory requirements, field surveys are often required. Experience and expertise in the following will be strongly considered:

• Plant identification and habitat documentation
• Bird identification and raptor nest monitoring
• Field sampling methods and equipment use - GPS equipment, ArcGIS software, statistical modeling
• Sampling threatened and endangered species (USFWS handling permit)

Clean Water Section 404 Permitting

Conducting wetland and stream delineations, writing jurisdictional determination reports, and writing Section 404 nationwide and individual permits. Desktop wetland delineations including the use of publicly available resources and aerial imagery to determine wetland presence.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong technical writing skills – Writing examples may be requested.
• Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of environmental permitting experience. Renewable energy experience required.
• Strong work ethic, problem solver, and ability to work independently.
• Business mind-set and understanding client needs.
• The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

• Wetland delineation.
• Plant identification.
• NEPA writer.
• Experience reviewing projects for environmental regulatory compliance.
• Bird and raptor surveys.
• Threatened and endangered species surveys – bats or other species.
• Field experience, equipment use, scientific methodologies.

Additional Information

Olsson is a nationally recognized, employee-owned firm specializing in planning and design, engineering, field services, environmental, and technology. Founded in 1956 on the very mindset that drives us today, we’re here to improve communities by making them more sustainable, better connected, and more efficient. Simply put, we work to leave the world better than we found it.

As an Olsson employee, you’ll receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.), plus you’ll:

• Become an owner in the company after your first year through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Engage in work that has a positive impact in communities
• Receive an excellent 401(k) match
• Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
• Benefit from a bonus system that rewards performance
• Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements

Olsson is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.

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