Manager, Environmental Planning & Permitting 1

Manager, Environmental Planning & Permitting

 

WHO WE ARE

 

“Energizing the Future.”

 

TransAlta owns, operates, and develops a diverse fleet of electrical generation assets in Canada, the United States, and Australia, providing municipalities, industries, and businesses with safe, low-cost, and reliable clean electricity. For over 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and proud community member where its employees work and live. We are committed to fostering a dynamic, productive, and safe work environment. Our employees contribute to a diverse, open, and transparent culture with clear accountabilities, strong leadership, and challenging opportunities for personal career growth.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our website at, www.transalta.com.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE

 

TransAlta has an opportunity for a Senior Manager, Environmental Planning & Permitting to lead our environmental planning and permitting efforts across our portfolio of renewable and gas-fired development projects.  This position reports to the VP of Growth, based in our head office in Calgary, Alberta.  Our preference is a candidate residing in Denver or San Diego or someone willing to relocate.

 

This role will manage a team of two Environmental Planners and work within a development matrix organization alongside key expert hubs such as Stakeholder and Governmental Relations, Regulatory Affairs, Transmission and Interconnection, Resource and GIS, and Engineering. 

 

The successful candidate will bring deep experience in North American permitting processes, particularly in the western United States and Alberta, Canada, ideally with experience across multiple jurisdictions and technologies, as well as a demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary permitting strategies for large-scale energy projects.  This role requires expertise in environmental regulations, permitting, due diligence, and stakeholder engagement to support TransAlta’s growth and operational excellence.

 

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

 

• Lead all environmental and permitting activities for the company’s renewable and gas development portfolio, from early-stage site evaluation through construction and into operations
• Develop and implement permitting strategies that optimize timelines and minimize risks across multiple jurisdictions (local, state, federal)
• Lead and mentor a team of environmental professionals and other team members, providing guidance on best practices and ensuring consistent application of environmental policies across projects
• Manage relationships and negotiations with regulatory agencies (e.g., state environmental agencies, local planning boards, EPA, BLM)
• Oversee environmental planning processes to ensure that all company projects comply with local, provincial (state), and federal environmental regulations. This includes assessing potential environmental impacts and implementing mitigation strategies
• Manage the acquisition of necessary permits and approvals for various projects, coordinating with regulatory agencies and ensuring timely submissions
• Oversee the preparation and submission of environmental documents including Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, Special Use Permits, Conditional Use Permits, and air, water, and land use permits
• Lead within a matrix organization, collaborating with internal departments, external consultants, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to facilitate communication and address environmental, permitting and regulatory concerns related to company operations
• Conduct and manage environmental and permitting due diligence for potential acquisitions, greenfield, and brownfield development opportunities
• Monitor and interpret environmental la