Solar Permitting Specialist – Job Description

Our successful renewable energy development firm, located in Portland and Bend, Oregon, is seeking a Solar Permitting Specialist to contribute to the development of large-scale renewable energy projects. In this role, you will work collaboratively with the development team to obtain land use permits required to bring new development opportunities to fruition.

The company is relatively small and growing quickly, highly entrepreneurial, fast paced, and can offer a level of engagement that most large organizations cannot. We hire “doers” who are driven, take ownership of their work, and proactively seek out problems that need to be solved.

Essential Functions

· Manage individual solar projects through local land use permitting process by working independently and collaboratively with our internal team members and external resources (i.e. attorneys and land use/environmental consultants).

· Research local ordinances for solar development and understand the path to successfully permit a project.

· Coordinate, draft, and submit full land use permit application packets for discretionary permits, such as Conditional Use Permits.

· Sub-contract and work with various consultants as needed throughout the development cycle, such as surveyors, geotechnical engineers, title companies, attorneys, environmental consultants, and others.

· Coordinate with team members to ensure all required documents from third party consultants are obtained for submittal as part of the land use permit application.

· Explain the projects to various stakeholders, including setting reasonable expectations and following through on commitments.

· Build relationships with local jurisdictions who have authority over permitting projects.

· Foster support from various stakeholders (i.e. state, county, and local governments, department heads, community groups, and neighbors).

· Some travel will be required to meet with landowners/other stakeholders and attend land use permitting hearings in support of the projects.

· May assist with lease or purchase option negotiations with landowners, attorneys, and companies to acquire the land rights to develop a project.

· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

While we do not expect the successful candidate to possess all the experiences, skills, and attributes listed below, the right candidate will likely rely on several of these skillsets to be successful in this role. If you are unsure whether or not you meet all of the qualifications but believe that your experience, skill set, growth mindset, and hard work ethic make you a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply!

· Degree in business, finance, real estate, planning or related field, or equivalent work experience.

· Ability and interest to learn and master new material and then speak confidently on it.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly with external stakeholders (such as partners, local communities, authorities, and regulators).

· Technical writer capable of providing a project narrative that responds directly and succinctly to land use code requirements.

· Thrive in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment with (sometimes) limited direction.

· Ability to multitask, take initiative, and absorb pertinent information quickly.

· Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven. Track progress (KPI’s), report results, and actively work with team members to both identify and resolve any challenges.

· Creative thinker and problem solver who sees the big picture and may identify new or improved strategies to improve processes that achieves results.

· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at various stages simultaneously.

· A collaborative and engaging team member who solves problems both as an individual and collaboratively.

· Interest and curiosity in understanding the full business model and project development cycle.

· High ethical standards.

· A strong candidate will demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and transparency throughout their engagement with regulators and other stakeholders.

Benefits

· Salary commensurate with experience.

· Bonus potential.

· Company paid medical insurance.

· Retirement match.

· Flexible work schedule.

· Paid time off.

The above information is designed to outline the functions and requirements of this position. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected. This position is located out of the Portland office.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus opportunities

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, OR 97211