Associate, Permitting

Job Description: 

Copia is seeking an Associate, Permitting to support the permitting and environmental compliance efforts of our utility-scale renewable energy, data center, transmission, and natural gas generation projects. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the execution phase of Copia’s projects (i.e., late-stage development through the full construction lifecycle and into operations). Duties include but are not limited to overseeing construction/environmental compliance; construction financing and EPC contracts; coordinating with EPCs and local, state, and federal agencies; monitoring compliance deadlines and reporting requirements; and maintaining accurate permitting/compliance records and project trackers. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, familiarity with environmental and land use regulations, a general understanding and familiarity with large-scale construction, and the ability to manage multiple project timelines simultaneously. 

The Associate, Permitting will report directly to the Sr. Director, Permitting, working closely with Copia's asset management, energy markets, legal, and finance teams in an individual contributor capacity. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Support the team through responsible development, construction, and operation of utility-scale solar generation facilities and battery energy storage systems; transmission infrastructure; data centers, and natural gas generation facilities across the US.
• Ensure our projects meet all environmental and regulatory requirements from development through construction and into operations.
• Oversee permitting and entitlement for a portfolio of projects and perform environmental-related due diligence, planning, permitting, and compliance for large-scale energy projects.
• Collaborate with internal project teams such as real estate, development, engineering, and construction management; external teams like environmental and engineering consultants, and external legal counsel; and external stakeholders such as private landowners, state/federal resource agencies, and conservation organizations.
• Maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements, track mitigation measures, environmental commitments, and reporting obligations.
• Assist internal engineering, construction and finance teams with documentation, tracking, obtaining, and maintaining construction permits (e.g., grading permits, building permits, water use agreements, etc.).  
• Develop technical, cost effective, and practicable solutions for design, execution and close out; overcome permitting obstacles throughout the project life, including permits, design, execution and close out.
• Manage consultants providing preconstruction environmental surveys, which include reviewing proposals, coordinating survey schedules, and ensuring survey methodologies follow wildlife agency input and satisfy permit conditions/project needs.
• Review technical reports provided by consultants.
• Reports typically include but are not limited to habitat evaluations, desktop environmental screenings, threatened/endangered/sensitive species surveys, wetland delineations, cultural and archaeological resource studies, avian and bat use surveys, and post-construction monitoring memos.
• Conduct environmental and permit due diligence for development and acquisition opportunities.
• Help facilitate project designs in collaboration with development and engineering teams to ensure compatibility with project needs, zoning, and environmental permit requirements, and enforce best management practices, to minimize and mitigate environmental impacts.
• Interface with and build relationships with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies to maintain compliance and resolve issues.
• Support site visits, and compliance reporting.
• Assist in preparation of EPC contracts, specifically with relevant environmental/permitting exhibits.  
• Participate in regional and national initiatives, symposia, conferences, and industry groups as needed to achieve Company goals.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of environmental policy, regulation and compliance that affect permitting and impacts on project siting and compliance. 

 What We Look For: 

• Organized and collaborative self-starter with keen attention to detail, with the ability to handle multiple projects at various stages of development, construction, and operations.
• Ability and desire to maintain a complete and organized project record to demonstrate compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and permit conditions.
• Ability to identify and communicate project needs, schedules, and risks across project support teams.
• Work collaboratively and efficiently with internal teams and external parties (e.g., consultants) to execute project work on schedule and develop strategies to address environmental-related issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.
• Highly driven with problem-solving abilities, integrity, and strong work ethic.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work effectively within a rapidly changing organization.
• Demonstrated collaborative partnerships with peers, management, and vendors.
• Resourcefulness and polite persistence. 

 Minimum Qualifications: 

• 3+ years professional experience, of permitting and environmental compliance portfolio and program management in renewable energy, data centers, and/or transmission infrastructure.
• 3+ years of experience with related local, state, and federal environmental regulatory policies and business practices and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of pertinent environmental statutes, regulations, permitting processes, approval criteria, and protocols.
• Knowledge of system design, construction, and maintenance practices for both gas and electric operations.
• Experience managing multiple projects and multi-project portfolios. 
• Experience with EPCs, EPC/vendor management, and an understanding of permit conditions, how to interpret them, and how to ensure compliance.
• Experience supporting permit closeout and compliance documentation for lenders or audits.
• Trusted communication skills, and proven ability to interact and present solutions to all levels within an organization.
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in environmental sciences, geography, or related field
• Proven experience with Microsoft Office, including advanced proficiency in PowerPoint & Excel  
• Experience with project management software
• Ability to work in the Dana Point, CA, Lake Oswego, OR, Salt Lake City, UT, or Phoenix, AZ office a minimum of 3 days per week. 
• Ability to travel up to 25%   
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.