Overview

TeamPinnacle is partnering with a leading renewable energy developer to identify a Director of Environmental Permitting to lead environmental strategy and execution for a portfolio of utility-scale energy projects.

This role is critical to advancing projects through complex regulatory pathways and will serve as a key partner to development teams, ensuring successful project siting, permitting, and agency engagement.

This is a high-impact, individual contributor role suited for a seasoned professional with a strong foundation in field biology and California environmental permitting, who can navigate complex agency relationships and drive permitting outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead environmental permitting strategy for utility-scale renewable energy projects across California
Partner directly with development teams to support project siting, design, and risk mitigation
Manage and execute all aspects of the permitting lifecycle, from early-stage due diligence through permit approvals
Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory agencies, including federal and state resource agencies
Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders such as wildlife agencies and regulatory bodies
Oversee external environmental consultants, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and deliverable review
Review and finalize technical studies and reports (e.g., biological surveys, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, and other environmental analyses)
Guide projects through environmental review processes and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Provide strategic input on environmental risks and constraints to inform project development decisions
Represent project teams in agency meetings, public forums, and stakeholder engagements

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
10+ years of experience in environmental permitting, with a strong focus on California
Hands-on field biology background with expertise in species, habitat, and environmental surveys
Demonstrated experience leading permitting efforts for complex, utility-scale infrastructure or energy projects
Deep knowledge of California and federal environmental regulations, including:
CEQA / NEPA
ESA / CESA
MBTA
Clean Water Act (CWA) / USACE
Related state and federal permitting frameworks
Established relationships and direct experience working with resource agencies (e.g., state and federal wildlife agencies)
Proven ability to navigate complex permitting challenges and drive projects to successful outcomes
Experience managing environmental consultants and interdisciplinary teams
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Preferred Experience

Experience supporting renewable energy projects (solar, wind, and/or energy storage)
Familiarity with multi-state permitting frameworks beyond California
Background in both consulting and project development environments

What You Bring

A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
Confidence representing projects in front of agencies and stakeholders
A proactive, hands-on approach with both strategic and execution capabilities

About TeamPinnacle

TeamPinnacle partners with organizations across the energy and infrastructure sectors to deliver high-impact talent solutions. This search is being conducted on behalf of our client, and all inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality.

Why This Role

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of environmental permitting strategy for a growing renewable energy portfolio. You will play a critical role in advancing projects that contribute to the energy transition while working alongside an experienced and collaborative team.

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Director of Environmental Permitting