Senior Environmental Specialist - Prospecting/Early-Stage Development (Remote, California And West)

Requisition ID: 81169

NextEra Energy Resources is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun, and a world leader in battery storage. We provide energy-related products and services that grow our economy, protect the environment, support our communities and help customers meet their energy needs.

We are leading the decarbonization of the U.S. economy with our goal to reach Real Zero carbon emissions from our operations by 2045 while improving customer affordability and reliability. Are you interested in creating a cleaner environment for future generations? Join our world-class, innovative team today.

Position Specific Description

The position requires working from a home office located in the western United States (CA, OR, WA, NV, AZ, ID, UT, MT, NM, CO). This position is in the Environmental Licensing & Permitting Section of the Corporate Environmental Services Department supporting site prospecting and early-stage project development for NextEra Energy Resources and other NextEra Energy affiliates.

The position provides the opportunity to use your environmental knowledge and skills to help assess potential new projects, evaluate risk, and begin permitting and studies necessary for successful development of energy projects. You will advise multidisciplinary teams on environmental site constraints and permitting strategies to facilitate development of a broad range of energy projects including wind and solar; energy storage such as batteries, hydrogen and hydro; as well as transmission lines.

Primary responsibilities include working closely with the site prospecting and early-stage development team to search out and evaluate potential project sites and begin long-lead studies as well as early stage federal, state and local environmental licensing and permitting. Candidates should enjoy working in a high-paced environment with a steady stream of new project evaluations.

Work during the early-stage process is largely completed using a combination of desktop research, field reconnaissance, and technology such as GIS, digital processes, and artificial intelligence. Early-stage environmental team members will work to develop strategies that can be successfully executed once turned over to the late-stage development team. Project work will be focused on California but may include support for other western states as well.

The successful candidate will have experience evaluating critical environmental constraints for energy projects as well as applying for and supporting permits from land use agencies at the county, state, and federal levels. A qualified candidate must also demonstrate a solid track record for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act as well as the National Environmental Policy Act. A well-rounded understanding of associated environmental regulations such as Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act are also important for this role.

The applicant must have relevant renewable energy project experience with the ability to work collaboratively to support multiple projects with multifaceted environmental and regulatory issues. Applicant must be willing to travel as needed.

Many sites will be remote and will require off-road vehicle access and/or hiking to complete site evaluations. Field mapping and GIS skills are necessary to successfully execute this position.

The successful candidate must maintain current knowledge of pertinent national and state level environmental policies and regulations, have the ability to effectively interface with internal and external customers, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders, and be able to assist in resolving complex environmental matters. He or she must help maintain good working relationships with local agency staff as well as Non-Governmental Organizations working in the vicinity.

Job Overview