Environmental Permitting Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Hanwha Energy USA , headquartered in Houston, Texas, is part of the Hanwha Group—a FORTUNE Global 300 company and one of South Korea's most respected business enterprises. With over a decade of experience delivering high-quality, utility-scale energy projects across North America, Hanwha Energy USA has evolved into a comprehensive energy solutions provider. Our portfolio now spans utility-scale renewables, natural gas generation, retail electricity, and strategic partnerships that power America's growing data center industry.

Our expertise covers the entire energy value chain—from project development and engineering to construction, operations, and maintenance. By integrating advanced technologies, proven processes, and strong partnerships, we deliver reliable, customized solutions that meet the dynamic needs of local energy markets.

Hanwha Energy USA is actively advancing strategic initiatives in natural gas generation and data center development, including hyperscaler solutions on both sides of the meter. We are proud to serve as the parent company of:

• Hanwha Renewables – specializing in utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• Chariot Energy – providing retail electricity services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in deregulated markets

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Environmental Permitting Specialist supports the development and operation of gas-fired power generation projects by leading and coordinating environmental permitting and regulatory compliance activities. This role focuses on air, water, and related environmental permits, development of permitting strategies, and required regulatory reporting to ensure timely approvals, compliance, and operational flexibility.

The ideal candidate has a strong working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, experience working with regulatory agencies, and the ability to develop practical permitting approaches that support project timelines and ongoing operations. Experience in Texas and PJM states is strongly preferred.

The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All duties will be assigned in accordance with applicable laws and company policies. Periodic travel (approximately 20–30%) to project sites, regulatory meetings, or agency offices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Permitting Strategy & Support

• Develop and implement environmental permitting strategies to support new and existing gas power generation facilities, balancing regulatory compliance with operational and commercial needs.
• Support project development teams by identifying permitting requirements early and helping align permitting schedules with construction and operational timelines.
• Prepare and manage applications for air permits, water permits, and other environmental approvals required for development, construction, and operations.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (engineering, operations, legal, commercial) to ensure proposed operating scenarios are accurately reflected in permits.
• Identify opportunities to streamline permits, reduce approval timelines, and maintain flexibility for future operational changes.

Agency Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact with state and federal regulatory agencies, including TCEQ and environmental agencies in PJM states.
• Participate in meetings, calls, and correspondence with regulators to clarify requirements and address questions during the permitting process.
• Assist with public notice activities and responses to agency or public comments where required.

Regulatory Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare and coordinate routine regulatory reports, including:

• Air emissions reporting and annual emissions inventories
• Water discharge monitoring reports (DMRs)
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) and other applicable federal or state reporting
• Permit-required certifications and compliance reports

• Track permit conditions and reporting obligations to ensure accurate and timely submittals.
• Support plant operations with interpretation of permit requirements, reporting instructions, and recordkeeping expectations.
• Assist with regulatory audits, inspections, and follow-up actions as needed.

Operational Support

• Support permitting and compliance needs for plant modifications, maintenance projects, and operational changes.
• Help evaluate whether proposed changes require permit updates, notifications, or regulatory approvals.
• Maintain organized permitting and compliance records and support internal compliance tracking systems.
• Assist in developing compliance guidance and training materials for internal teams.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in environmental permitting, compliance, or regulatory support for power generation or similar industrial facilities.
• Working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, particularly air and water programs.
• Experience preparing or coordinating permit applications and regulatory reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with regulators, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred

• Experience permitting or supporting operations in Texas (TCEQ) and/or PJM states.
• Familiarity with gas-fired power generation facilities (simple-cycle, combined-cycle, or cogeneration).
• Experience with annual emissions inventories, GHG reporting, or water discharge reporting.
• Prior involvement supporting regulatory inspections or audits.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Environmental permitting and compliance support
• Regulatory reporting and documentation
• Project coordination and deadline management
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Practical problem-solving focused on business and operational needs
• Collaboration across development, operations, and compliance teams

COMPENSATION: $110,000 - $135,000 salary

Attention external recruitment firms, we will not accept any unsolicited resumes at this time. Please do not contact any internal member of our company to discuss the position or to solicit candidates.

Hanwha Energy USA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

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