What are the responsibilities and job description for the In-House Paralegal/Contract and Compliance Manager position at Zanskar?
Title: In-House Paralegal / Contract & Compliance Manager
Hours: Full-time, salaried
Location: Hybrid, Salt Lake City
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Reports to: In-House Counsel
Why we exist and why we need you
Geothermal energy represents the world’s most abundant renewable energy resource, with 2,300 times more energy in the earth’s geothermal heat than in all known fossil fuels combined. However, despite its vast potential, the industry has historically been limited by high costs and difficulty in identifying viable resources. Our innovative approach is setting new industry standards for geothermal exploration and discovery rates, with the potential to become a key contributor to the global clean energy transformation.
To accelerate our growth and success, we are seeking a detail-oriented, proactive Contract & Compliance Lead to ensure operational efficiency, mitigate legal risks, and optimize legal processes across a growing portfolio of geothermal projects. This position offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact in an emerging industry, working closely with senior leadership and external partners to build and manage a robust and compliant contract framework. If you’re a seasoned paralegal or legal professional who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments, we want you to help us lead the way.
Outcomes – Problems You’ll Solve
Contract Optimization & Efficiency: Review and improve contracts to address key issues early, reducing legal fees, accelerating deal execution, and streamlining the review and approval process without compromising quality.
Legal Risk Mitigation & Compliance: Identify and resolve legal risks and compliance gaps, ensuring contracts and operations comply with policies, regulations, and legal requirements to protect the company from liability and minimize disputes or penalties.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Coordinate with internal teams and external counsel to align on legal needs, facilitating smoother negotiations and ensuring clear, comprehensive agreements that meet company objectives.
Diligence & Documentation: Prepare legal documentation for fundraising and investor due diligence, ensuring transparency and compliance. Develop efficient document management practices to maintain organized contracts, filings, and compliance records.
State and Federal Filings: Manage filings for Zanskar entities, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
Employment Law Knowledge: Partner with HR and in-house counsel on offer letters, employment agreements, contract amendments, adjusted work arrangements and other employee-related legal matters. Help ensure documentation and practices are consistent, compliant, and appropriately reviewed.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance: In-depth understanding of corporate compliance and regulations, balancing legal risk and business goals for multiple departments including land deals
Risk Management: Proactive in identifying and addressing legal risks and compliance gaps.
Operational Efficiency & Project Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with high efficiency.
Stakeholder Communication: Strong ability to translate legal concepts into actionable insights for teams and external partners.
Team Collaboration & Leadership: Ability to work with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to influence outcomes and drive consensus.
Negotiation: Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts; strong knowledge of energy-sector law a plus.
Benefits – Why You'll Love Working Here
Competitive base salary with bonus structure and equity stock options
18 Days PTO accrual increase based on tenure
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Life Insurance
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Paid Holidays
401(k)
Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact on displacing carbon emissions
Equal Opportunity Employer
Zanskar is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.
**DO NOT PUBLISH** (Replicated and can be scaled down from the Head of Legal Affairs cadence / questions)
Interview
Screener:
Compensation
Relocation
Visa Requirements
Potential Start Date
Topgrading: Jake
Why Zanskar, Why Now?
What are you looking to do next?
Energizing / De-energizing
What is the riskiest decision you’ve done in your career?
Risk tolerance & commercial mindset
FOAK structures, tell me about it
What terms & others have you put into Infrastructure or Land contracts to reduce risk?
Compensation
Founder interview:
Technical w/ Wes & Diego - team fly out
Given them an old lease draft form and have them edit it
Have them read Project Bolt structures and highlight risks
*would love this fully fleshed out before posting, e.g. a copy of the document we will be sharing
Cultural / Team:
Joel & Carl: Vetting for key values & culture - Every boot on the ground, read the rock, commit to the big, leave a lightning dock.
Jackie: Vet for fit – Employee disputes
TBD: Inform compliance work & support we need. How well does he learn a new concept?