Permitting manager for utility-scale BESS projects

We're a utility-scale battery energy storage developer building in ERCOT and need an experienced Permitting Analyst to own the pre-NTP permitting workstream across our Texas portfolio. This covers the full stack: environmental review, land use and zoning, and the civil and construction permits that actually gate mobilization: stormwater, floodplain, access, road use, etc. You'll identify what each site needs, file it, chase it, and keep it tracked against our NTP dates. We're looking for at least 5 years doing this in Texas specifically. You should know how TCEQ, county commissioners' courts, and municipal/ETJ permitting actually work in practice, not just on paper. BESS experience is a strong plus; utility-scale solar or wind experience translates well. Key Responsibilities • Pre-NTP permit management: Identify, apply for, and secure all permits required to reach Notice to Proceed. Build and maintain a per-project permit matrix covering permit type, agency, trigger, fee, lead time, dependency, and status. • Environmental review and compliance: Manage Phase I/II ESAs, wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species surveys Civil and construction permitting • TCEQ Construction General Permit (TXR150): NOI, SWPPP development and review, site notices, and NOT at completion; MS4 coordination where the site falls inside a regulated system • Local floodplain development permits, FEMA map determinations, and CLOMR/LOMR processes where any part of the site touches SFHA • Grading, site development, and land disturbance permits; county and municipal drainage review • TxDOT permits: driveway/access, utility installation and ROW encroachment, and oversize/overweight authorizations for transformer, container, and crane deliveries • County road use and road maintenance agreements, including any bonding or surety requirements • Building, structural, foundation, and electrical permits where jurisdiction exists — including the practical determination of whether a site sits inside city limits, ETJ, or unincorporated county with no building authority, and what that means for inspection and sign-off • Fire marshal review and coordination: site access, water supply and fire flow, Hazard Mitigation Analysis, and Emergency Response Plan • OSSF/septic authorization through the county authorized agent for O&M facilities, and water well registration or groundwater conservation district permits for construction and operations water • TCEQ air authorizations where construction activity triggers them • Documentation and Reporting: Maintain organized, audit-ready permit files for each project. Prepare regular status updates and dashboards for internal stakeholders tracking permit milestones, deadlines, and compliance status. Qualifications Required • Minimum 5 years of experience managing pre-NTP permits and environmental requirements for energy projects in the state of Texas. • Demonstrated expertise with Texas-specific regulatory frameworks including TCEQ permitting, county and municipal zoning and permitting processes. • Strong knowledge of environmental review processes (ESA, CWA Section 404, NHPA Section 106) as applied to energy infrastructure projects. • Experience tracking and managing compliance with Conditional Interconnection Agreements (CIAs) and permitting matrices. • Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing deadlines across different Texas jurisdictions. • Excellent organizational skills with experience maintaining audit-ready permit documentation. • Strong written and verbal communication skills for regulatory correspondence and internal reporting. Preferred • Direct permitting experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) or utility-scale renewable energy projects. • Experience with GIS software for site constraint analysis and permit application support. • Familiarity with fire code requirements specific to BESS (HB 3824, NFPA 855, IFC). • Knowledge of critical issues analysis, floodplain management, and wetland permitting in Texas. • Background in real estate due diligence as it relates to permitting feasibility (title review, easements, deed restrictions). • Experience with distributed generation permitting processes.