Energy Program Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. 

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.  

Pattern Energy operates in the United States and Canada, with offices in San Francisco, Houston, San Diego, New York and Toronto.  Pattern Energy Group's corporate headquarters are in San Francisco. Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 35 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

JOB PURPOSE

The Manager, Environmental Compliance & Strategy, EPC is responsible for ensuring environmental compliance and supporting strategic risk planning for Pattern's projects during execution, with a primary focus on wind, transmission, and solar energy projects in the United States and Canada, and ancillary support for compliance efforts in other jurisdictions as needed.

This role leads and coordinates environmental construction permit compliance activities, supports environmental compliance programs and tools, and works closely with internal project teams, consultants, contractors, regulatory authorities, and local interest groups to ensure Pattern's projects meet applicable environmental permit, regulatory, and internal compliance requirements.

To support ongoing Pattern projects, viable candidates may also be considered if they live near Pattern project locations in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota, or New Mexico, as an optional work location arrangement.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The key responsibilities will include as a minimum the following:

• Lead environmental construction permit compliance activities in coordination with Pattern EPC group managers, engineering and construction managers, project construction contractors, and Pattern Environmental Development and Operations teams.
• Manage and coordinate project environmental personnel, including environmental consultants, EPC and specialty contractors, regulatory authorities, and local interest groups as appropriate.
• Conduct environmental compliance reviews, participate in monthly management meetings, complete site audits, and support compliance root-cause analysis investigations and reviews.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Pattern environmental compliance programs, procedures, and project execution documents.
• Create, maintain, and update project environmental compliance matrices during project execution.
• Develop and deliver Environmental Awareness Training for EPC and contractor staff.
• Coordinate with federal, state, provincial, and local environmental agency leads to resolve environmental concerns during construction.
• Budget for and manage consultants providing project-level environmental support services, including construction environmental monitoring and wildlife mitigation strategies.
• Represent Pattern in industry organizations and technical committees, supporting benchmarking, collaboration, and thought leadership across the renewable energy sector.

Experience/Qualifications/Education Required

Educational Experience

A bachelor's degree in a science-oriented field such as Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Wildlife, or a related field is required. An advanced degree in Law, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, or a comparable discipline is preferred.

Required Work Experience

The following criteria will be used as a basis for Pattern to select a qualified applicant:

• Seven or more years of experience in environmental, natural resources, or energy-related projects, preferably in renewable energy.
• Experience with wind, transmission, and/or solar power permitting, environmental construction compliance, and environmental fieldwork.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and provincial environmental regulations related to stormwater, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, air quality, wildlife, archaeology, environmental due diligence, and associated compliance programs.
• Extensive experience with stormwater best management practices, including design, implementation, maintenance, and cost considerations.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional project teams and managing environmental consultants and contractors.

Additional Requirements

Must possess strengths in the following:

• Strong time management, diplomacy, and specialized environmental compliance knowledge.
• Ability to make informed recommendations regarding the interpretation and application of environmental permits, regulations, and laws in evolving regulatory environments.
• Ability to analyze, organize, and interpret data from multiple sources and translate findings into clear written deliverables.
• Strong professional communication skills, including the ability to influence best practices and change within projects and the broader organization.
• Ability to multi-task, adapt quickly, work well under pressure, collaborate in large teams and one-on-one settings, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed, up to approximately 25%, depending on project needs.

Technical Skills

Computer skills - working knowledge of Windows-based business software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Environmental compliance - detailed knowledge of environmental regulatory frameworks, including wildlife, natural resources, stormwater, site restoration, spills, waste, audits, and project-specific permit or regulatory requirements for projects in the United States and/or Canada.

The expected starting pay range for this role is $103,000 - $138,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern's compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group LP is an equal opportunity employer

#LI-JH1

#LI-Hybrid