What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Permitting Manager position at Fervo Energy?
The Environmental Permitting Manager will support and lead efforts to secure and manage environmental study, permitting, and authorizations for Fervo’s geothermal energy projects. This individual will play a critical role in navigating NEPA, ESA, NHPA, CWA and other federal regulatory frameworks with State and Federal regulators, working closely with agencies such as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Army Corps of Engineers (ACE), and many other federal and state agencies. The role involves leading the preparation and reviewing of various environmental and ecological survey reports, coordinating technical studies and consultants, drafting and maintaining environmental diligence guidance and standards and ensuring that environmental responsibility is embedded across Fervo and Fervo’s development project lifecycles. The ideal candidate brings strong regulatory knowledge, experience in development due diligence, attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. This position will report to the Sr. Director of Land, Environmental and Permitting.
Responsibilities
- Manage federal, state, and local environmental permitting processes for geothermal development projects
- Support NEPA compliance, including preparation and review of Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
- Coordinate with federal and state environmental and ecological agencies (e.g., BLM, USFWS, USFWS, EPA, State environmental and wildlife agencies) and manage ongoing relationships with regulators
- Lead or support environmental assessment and stewardship strategy development and execution across early-stage and advanced projects
- Work with consultants and internal stakeholders to scope, commission, and review environmental studies (biological, cultural, hydrologic, wetlands delineations, etc.)
- Track permitting schedules, deliverables, and obligations across multiple projects
- Collaborate cross-functionally with development, land, engineering, legal, and policy teams
- Monitor regulatory changes and provide guidance on environmental risk and mitigation strategies
- Ensure all permit conditions are tracked, communicated, and fulfilled during development and operations
- Contribute to public engagement and outreach efforts tied to environmental concerns
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, public policy, natural resources, or related field
- 5–7 years of experience with environmental and ecological permitting and compliance for energy or infrastructure projects
- Strong working knowledge of environmental, ecological, cultural, and archeological regulation (NEPA, ESA, NHPA, etc.) and permitting processes with federal and state regulatory agencies
- Experience managing or contributing to complex permitting timelines and multidisciplinary teams
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines across projects
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with geothermal, oil and gas, solar, wind, mining or transmission permitting
- Familiarity with environmental concerns and permitting in the western U.S. Experience managing interagency consultations (Section 7, Section 106, etc.) in support of NEPA and State Policy (such as CEQA)
- Advanced degree or certification in civil engineering, various environmental, ecological sciences, natural resource management or administration, environmental law or policy, or infrastructure planning, etc.
- GIS or data management skills related to environmental resource investigation and tracking
Location
Fervo Energy is headquartered in Houston, TX. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at our Salt Lake City or Reno office will be required.