Environmental Planner – Renewable Energy Siting and Permitting

About the role

Atwell, LLC, a consulting, engineering and construction firm serving real estate, land development and energy markets, is hiring an Environmental Planner for its renewable energy practice in the Midwest. The role focuses on siting and permitting for utility-scale and distributed generation solar, battery energy storage systems, land-based wind and electric transmission projects. It is preferred to be based in the Southfield or Allendale, MI office, but can be remote.

Key responsibilities

• Support Project Managers with renewable energy studies, including critical issues analysis and due diligence support
• Research and interpret state, county and local ordinances and the site planning approval process
• Coordinate with project managers, subject matter experts, field technicians, administrative staff and subconsultants to prepare and submit permit applications
• Facilitate project meetings and agency coordination, and help prepare materials for agency meetings, public outreach and stakeholder engagement
• Track project schedules, tasks and submittal deadlines
• Review reports and interpret their impact on project development

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as land use planning, natural resource management or environmental policy, or equivalent
• 3-7+ years of experience performing similar tasks
• Prior environmental and renewable energy consulting experience strongly preferred
• Ability to research and interpret county and local zoning ordinances
• Experience preparing special land use and conditional use permits
• Willingness to travel for limited project needs and a valid driver's license in good standing

Required skills

• Preferred: NEPA process experience
• Preferred: familiarity with USFWS Land Based Wind Energy Guidelines
• Knowledge of GIS analysis and methodologies
• Strong communication with project teams, clients and agencies

What we offer

• Pay range of $70,000-$90,000 USD
• Paid time off, paid parental leave and flexible schedules for some positions
• Travel vouchers, annual bonuses, 401K match up to 4%, tuition assistance and student loan repayment
• Medical, dental and vision coverage, family planning and IVF benefits, pet insurance, HSA and flex spending account options
• Wellness reimbursement, dependent care match and employer-paid life insurance