Project Manager, Permitting

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The candidate for this position will report to the Director of Permitting and Real Estate out of our Richmond or Arlington, Virginia office and can also be remote. Duties will include project management of permitting and land use entitlement, coordination with AHJs and other regulatory agencies. The position involves coordination with developers, real estate, execution, community relations and other groups within AES Clean Energy, and across multiple offices.  The successful candidate will have the aptitude to succeed in managing multiple projects and supporting business development efforts in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.    

Core Competencies:

• Exceptional organizational, communication, decision making/problem solving, analytical and time management skills.
• Confidence in ability to work autonomously and thrive in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• Proven ability to produce error-free work under pressure.
• Team player with strong initiative.
• Track record of ability to instill confidence as a credible, reliable and expert subject matter expert for team members in technical matters.
• Passion for the renewable energy industry.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Permitting Project Manager will partner with cross-functional teams in activities leading to the successful execution and delivery/hand-off of new solar projects to the execution teams for construction. Specific duties will include:

Secure land use permits for new and acquired renewable energy facilities across multiple local, state, and federal jurisdictions for projects in the PJM and SERC RTOs. Manage technical and environmental studies for renewable energy development. Identify and implement novel mitigation strategies to reduce project cost and impact. Successfully negotiate project design and mitigation measures with local, state, and federal regulators to ensure project success while understanding project constraints. Manage contractors, vendors, and consultants to maintain project timeline and budget. Draft original text for use in project origination support, public education, and investor reporting materials. Once a project is permitted, transfer to the execution teams and Compliance Permitting Manager for construction management.  Provide ongoing support to the PMs, as required, throughout the construction process. Provide background on permitting and environmental compliance throughout the construction and operation of projects. Act as a representative for AES in meetings with the community, elected officials, and regulators. Assist in cost reduction initiatives, vendor development, and invoice audits. Mentorship of analysts and senior analysts on permitting team.

Desired Skills and Expertise:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in environmental sciences, geography or related field.

• 5+ years proven track record of permitting expertise in development, preferably in utility-scale environment.

• Knowledge of state siting and permitting processes, including USACE, State Regulations within the SERC and PJM ISOs, and other federal permitting as needed.

• Project and case management skills including a strong aptitude for managing and prioritizing multiple projects and deadlines.

• Ability to communicate efficiently in verbal and written correspondence.

• Experienced in environmental analysis, diligence, and environmental regulations.

• Knowledge of solar renewable energy construction process; real estate development; renewable energy projects/assets evaluation and acquisition.

• Knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS and Google Earth preferred.

• Microsoft Office, project management software.

• Self-starter, very self-reliant and capable of operating with minimum supervision.

This is a remote position, however, we require that the candidate be located within the US territory.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Safety comes first at AES. To protect the health and safety of our people, customers, communities and partners, and to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, AES requires all newly-hired people or current AES people applying for U.S.-based role(s), to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire. Except where prohibited by law or not specifically covered in a collective bargaining agreement, new hires and transfers will be required to provide proof of vaccination during onboarding and periodically thereafter. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable.