Associate Director, Environmental Affairs

The Company

Cypress Creek Renewables is powering a sustainable future, one project at a time. We develop, finance, own and operate utility-scale and distributed solar and storage projects across the country. Fostering a diverse group of innovative thinkers from all backgrounds, Cypress people are drawn to work in a purpose-driven organization. We hope you will join us.

The Role

Responsible for advising developers and project managers on environmental diligence, strategic permitting and responsible development, and providing compliance support to construction divisions and operation divisions for community and transmission-scale solar and transmission facilities in the central U.S.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead environmental permitting strategies for transmission scale energy generation projects in the Central U.S. markets (ERCOT, SPP, MISO South) and the Western U.S. market (WECC) as needed, including TX, OK, AR, CO, AZ and/or NV.
• Directly oversee scoping of and managing complex, dynamic environmental regulatory compliance processes, such as targeted environmental resource studies (e.g., wetland delineations, Phase I ESAs, cultural resource inventories), impact permitting, and mitigation negotiation, within the Company and with outside consultants.
• Develop standard scopes for standard environmental diligence processes. Advise project developers on scope and consultant selection and management of standard development activities.
• Advise in development and implementation of programmatic procedures and policies to ensure continuous compliance with existing and pending environmental regulations.
• Conduct environmental due diligence for development and acquisition opportunities, and prepare associated documentation as needed.
• Lead federal and state land and regulatory (e.g., wildlife, USACE, SHPO) agency communication and coordination.
• Review technical reports. Reports typically include, but are not limited to: Phase I ESA, wetland and waterway delineations, desktop environmental screenings, habitat assessments, cultural resource surveys, threatened/endangered species surveys, avian and bat use surveys, and construction environmental monitoring audits.
• Review plans for management of environmental matters during construction and operations. Plans include, but are not limited to stormwater management plans, spill pollution prevention plans, construction oversight plans for compliance with respect to species protection, and archaeological resource protection.
• Prepare environmental content for documents as needed, such as marketing proposals, plans of development, and zoning applications.
• Assist in development of protocols to manage ongoing compliance requirements during operations and maintenance. Advise on compliance issues when needed.
• Participate in regional and national initiatives, symposia, conferences, and industry groups as needed to achieve Company objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering or an Environmental-related field from an accredited college/university.
• Experience and expertise interpreting federal and state environmental laws (ESA, NEPA, CWA, NHPA), guidelines, and policies.
• 5+ years professional experience in environmental permitting and/or compliance in Central U.S. or Western U.S. markets. Experience in TX, OK, and AR a plus.
• Experience in construction and operational compliance support, including, but not limited to: SPCC, stormwater permitting, and vegetation management, a plus.
• Self-directed, solutions-oriented, and problem-solving, with the ability and desire to work effectively in a team environment.
• Able to act and adapt to a fast-paced business environment with competing deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• May include local or regional travel, as allowed by health and safety requirements.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in biological science/natural resources/environmental policy or environmental law degree preferred.
• Experience with Title V and state air permitting in Texas and/or surrounding states is preferred.
• Experience with large-scale energy campus generation and storage development (e.g., solar and other generation types (natural gas, wind, hydrogen)) is preferred

Location

CCR’s offices in Asheville, NC; Durham, NC; New York City, NY; Washington, DC with a hybrid schedule of 3 days a week in office, or remote.

Compensation

The salary range for the position is $110,000-$160,000 plus bonus and benefits. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location.

Benefits

• 15 days of Paid Time Off, accrual up to 20 days, 11 observed holidays.
• 401(k) Match
• Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision and health insurance
• Wellness stipend, family planning stipend, and generous parental leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Phone Bill Reimbursement
• Company Swag

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cypress Creek Renewables is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and values diversity, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.