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
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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.
