CA PROJECT DEVELOPER

About Longroad Energy

Longroad Energy is a Boston, MA headquartered renewable energy developer focused on the development, ownership, and operation/asset management of wind and solar energy projects throughout North America. Founded in 2016, Longroad owns 1.6 GW of wind and solar projects across the United States in addition to operating and managing a total of 3.5 GW of wind and solar projects on behalf of Longroad and third parties. Our vision is to create lasting value for our shareholders, communities, and employees by responsibly developing, owning and operating renewable energy projects.  We have assembled a world-class team with a passion for renewable energy innovation and a commitment to developing renewable projects throughout the US.

Job Purpose

The California Project Developer will be responsible for supporting the development of Longroad Energy’s utility-scale development portfolio in California. The Project Developer will focus on land use permitting of utility-scale renewable energy projects in California, including CEQA, NEPA, and CPUC processes, in close coordination with Longroad’s development and natural resources teams. The Project Developer will work on a wide range of tasks related to project development and permitting, principally focused on: creating permitting strategies and plans for land use permitting and CEQA processes, executing permitting activities, managing Longroad’s relationships with external parties, and closely managing internal and external teams preparing permit deliverables.

Responsibilities 

• Work with Longroad’s cross-functional development team to manage land use permitting for large-scale renewable energy development projects in California.
• Develop project-specific land use permitting strategies (including CEQA, NEPA, and CPUC as applicable), written permitting plans, schedules, and budgets for all Longroad development projects in California.
• Track progress of permitting efforts against the plan and act as quarterback to push internal and external contributors to accomplish tasks required for permits.
• Review all deliverables submitted to outside parties as part of permitting processes to ensure consistency of messaging, with an eye to permitting the largest sandbox / most optionality allowable.
• Assess, communicate, and mitigate risks related to land use permitting, related regulations, and public engagement.
• Create and present outward-facing presentations to elected officials, lead agency, and community members and represent the company at public meetings.
• Manage relationships with an array of external parties including permitting agencies, government officials, and community stakeholders.
• Act as single point of contact for staff managing the CEQA process for the lead agency.
• Manage consultant selection, engagements, and budgets as permitting processes advance.
• Manage and coordinate permit compliance requirements leading up to building permits.
• Work with Longroad’s engineering team to understand permitting constraints that need to be incorporated into project layouts and construction plans.
• Coordinate with internal Longroad subject matter experts, including:
•  Natural Resources team - for topics specific to species, waters, and cultural resources.
•  Finance team - on sensitivities for the financial model and on permit-related financing risks.
•  Engineering and construction team – for project description with a focus on crafting permits to allow for design flexibility so that layout and equipment can be modified after CEQA is approved, on permit compliance, and layout/construction constraints driven by permit requirements. 
• Legal team – on matters related to legal processes and risks.

Required Qualifications

• Three years managing California development projects in a planning, environmental, legal, financial, or real estate capacity.
• Subject matter expertise in real estate, land use development, or environmental resources. 
• Familiarity with developer mindset where the pace of development activities will depend on interconnection/offtake progress.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to read and understand legal documents and contracts.
• Organized and detail oriented, but doesn’t lose sight of the big picture.
• Experience coordinating with a cross-functional team of experts on complex projects.
• Ability to walk unassisted over undeveloped land, travel unassisted, and sit at a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to travel to meet with agency staff and attend community events in various jurisdictions throughout California.
• Safe driving record, valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• California residence strongly preferred, local relationships a plus.
• Experience managing solar or wind project land use permitting from early stage through financial close and construction.
• Experience leading or managing a team (direct reports or consultant team).
• Financial analysis and budgeting skills, formal project management training, or policy analysis experience. 

Characteristics Necessary for Success  

• Comfortable with fast paced, rapidly changing environment.
• A focus on creating value for the company.
• Clear and effective communication.
• Ability to collaborate inside and outside the company.
• Desire to listen to community interests and integrate into project development.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about alternative energy.
• Self-starter with desire to succeed.
• Integrity and accountability.

Benefits of Working at Longroad Energy We are dedicated to providing our employees with the support and resources they need to stay healthy, secure their future, and be successful in their careers. Benefits at Longroad include the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan and matching, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Our robust time-off policy includes accrual of 18 vacation days in your first year, paid holidays, and paid volunteer time. We offer paid parental leave to help support employees as they transition into parenthood. Learn more about our .  

 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Diversity, equity, and inclusion matter - at Longroad, in our industry, in our communities, and in society at large. We embrace our responsibility to build and promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working experience and drive change where we live and operate. We work to actively promote and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster a supportive space that empowers everyone at Longroad to learn about, discuss and ask questions related to embracing and honoring identity. We collaborate with our community, colleagues, and industry in the ongoing pursuit of evolving and growing an inclusive and diverse environment. Learn more about our . 

Longroad Energy Values At Longroad, we SHINE. We aim to be the most trusted renewable energy company on the long road to a green future. We are an experienced team of problem solvers and promise-keepers who develop sustainable solutions that meet today’s challenges and make a lasting impact on people and our planet. Learn more about our  

Longroad Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (“EOE”). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other legally protected status. Longroad Energy prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodations are made for disabled employees. Longroad Energy is firmly committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities in all employment practices and personnel actions, including advertising, recruitment, testing, screening, hiring, selection for training, upgrading, transfer, demotion, layoff, discipline, termination, rates of pay, and other forms of compensation.