Permitting & Environmental Manager [Hybrid]

at  EDF Renewables North America

Scope of Position:
EDF Renewables North America is a market-leading independent power producer and service provider with over 35 years of experience. We deliver grid-scale power: wind (onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic, and storage projects; distribution-scale power: solar and storage; asset optimization: technical, operational, and commercial expertise to maximize the performance of generating projects, and onsite solutions, through the Company’s PowerFlex affiliate, offering a full suite of onsite energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers: solar, storage, EV charging, energy management systems, and microgrids.
Under the supervision of the Director - Development, the Permitting and Environmental Manager will provide strategy and leadership for key aspects of environmental risk assessment and mitigation in renewable energy siting, permitting and operations. Identify risks, develop, and implement permitting strategies for greenfield development projects. This position will be focused on the Ontario and Western Canada markets.

Responsibilities:

• Provide expertise and functional direction on overall environmental risk screening and assessment, permitting risk, strategies, requirements and mitigations for internal greenfield and contracted projects.
• Advances key projects through provincial and local permitting and planning processes, using expert 3rd party consultants as required, to allow construction activities to commence.
• Leads agency & NGO engagement and negotiations, scoping of data collection, permit preparation and submittals, and negotiation and resolution of complex permitting issues. Seeks creative strategies aligning regulatory requirements and internal best practices that meet EDFR’s core values.
• Advise and lead the development team in legislation efforts to negotiate or amend new provincial or municipal environmental regulations, zoning and bylaws that would hinder renewable energy development and/or could impact the economics of our contracted and future projects.
• Develops relationships with and represents EDFR before key local, provincial and federal regulatory bodies, including environmental and energy siting or planning boards.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of environmental policy, regulation and compliance that affect permitting and impacts on project siting and compliance.
• Support project Final Investment Decisions by creating robust environmental and permitting risk evaluation documentation for senior management. Serve as the internal regional SME for responding to third party financing inquiries regarding environmental or permitting matters.
• Develop and implement environmental strategies and action plans, to ensure compliance with received Environmental Approvals related to the development, construction and operations of projects.
• Work with advisors and consultants to apply for and manage federal, provincial, and local environmental, construction, and related permits, and including management of community and other stakeholders.
• Develop a robust regional network of environmental consulting firms and contractors for environmental studies and permit-related work. Coordinate engagement of consultants and scopes of with development team, including assisting with competitive solicitations from vendors.
• Prepare reports for Management as required.
• Participate in various promotional and outreach activities (open houses, industry conferences, events, etc.).

Qualifications:

Desired Skills, knowledge and abilities:

• B.A. or B.S. in environmental science or environmental studies, planning, environmental engineering, biology, or closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the environmental field and/or project development related to renewable projects.
• Expertise with federal, provincial, and local permitting requirements and obtaining regulatory approvals. Knowledge of Ontario and/or BC planning and permitting regimes is considered an asset.
• Experience in collaborating with multiple sectors of a project team and managing environmental contractors.
• In depth capability to read, interpret and communicate impact of current and upcoming environmental guidelines, land use maps, and other various constraints on potential and existing opportunities.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Build and maintain effective relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Ability to multi-task; adapt quickly; work well under pressure, both in large teams and one-on-one; and work independently with minimal supervision.
• General knowledge of and respect for First Nations traditions and practices.
• Written and spoken professional proficiency in English (French considered a bonus).
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Outlook).

Travel Requirements: Up to 25%

In addition, EDF Renewables offers best-in-class employment incentives, including.

• Competitive Bonus incentives: This position is eligible for our annual bonus program.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: EDF Renewables Canada pays 100% of premiums for employee health benefits for the employee and their dependents.
• Rewarding RRSP Package: EDF Renewables provides a generous 100% match of employee’s first 6% contributed with immediate vesting.

We are also proud to offer:

• Favorable time off programs
• Rewarding Learning & Development Opportunities
• Personalized Financial 1:1 Coaching Workshops
• Supportive Mentorship & Buddy Programs

Be a part of an innovative and collaborative team environment that fosters our goal of Delivering renewable solutions to lead the transition to a sustainable energy future

• Provide expertise and functional direction on overall environmental risk screening and assessment, permitting risk, strategies, requirements and mitigations for internal greenfield and contracted projects.
• Advances key projects through provincial and local permitting and planning processes, using expert 3rd party consultants as required, to allow construction activities to commence.
• Leads agency & NGO engagement and negotiations, scoping of data collection, permit preparation and submittals, and negotiation and resolution of complex permitting issues. Seeks creative strategies aligning regulatory requirements and internal best practices that meet EDFR’s core values.
• Advise and lead the development team in legislation efforts to negotiate or amend new provincial or municipal environmental regulations, zoning and bylaws that would hinder renewable energy development and/or could impact the economics of our contracted and future projects.
• Develops relationships with and represents EDFR before key local, provincial and federal regulatory bodies, including environmental and energy siting or planning boards.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of environmental policy, regulation and compliance that affect permitting and impacts on project siting and compliance.
• Support project Final Investment Decisions by creating robust environmental and permitting risk evaluation documentation for senior management. Serve as the internal regional SME for responding to third party financing inquiries regarding environmental or permitting matters.
• Develop and implement environmental strategies and action plans, to ensure compliance with received Environmental Approvals related to the development, construction and operations of projects.
• Work with advisors and consultants to apply for and manage federal, provincial, and local environmental, construction, and related permits, and including management of community and other stakeholders.
• Develop a robust regional network of environmental consulting firms and contractors for environmental studies and permit-related work. Coordinate engagement of consultants and scopes of with development team, including assisting with competitive solicitations from vendors.
• Prepare reports for Management as required.
• Participate in various promotional and outreach activities (open houses, industry conferences, events, etc.)