Environmental Permitting Specialist (Transmission Permitting Specialist)
Application due date: August 22, 2025
Location: Maple Grove, MN (Eligible for hybrid schedule)
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.
We are the people we power. As Minnesota’s not-for-profit electric cooperative, our member-owners and their members impact every decision we make. Because their needs are our needs, and their dreams are our dreams.
Summary:
Provides expertise on environmental and permitting issues related to transmission projects including scoping, planning, routing/siting, permitting, environmental and cultural field surveys, and construction compliance. Obtains, administers, and facilitates compliance with environmental permits and other approvals necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of transmission lines, substations, communication towers and other transmission capital projects.
Total Rewards:
A typical starting range for this position is $83,000 - $114,000 + annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.
Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
· For new or rebuild transmission projects, determines the level of environmental review required for construction of the projects, conducts the environmental review, and obtains necessary approvals and permits.
· Direct contractors who will assist with environmental and cultural field surveys.
· Provides expertise and guidance to land rights, engineering, communications, planning and operations personnel for transmission line routing, substation siting, communication towers regarding environmental and regulatory issues, and for storm or other emergency response.
· Oversees Transmission Division’s environmental management system.
· Collaborates and coordinates with GRE's Vegetation Management group to provide the necessary permitting support for annual vegetation management of the existing transmission system.
· Leads and participates in public meetings and helps develop materials for the public meetings.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in one of the natural, biological, or environmental sciences, business, legal, real estate, or any related field is required.
- 5 years of experience in transmission and environmental permitting, compliance and public policy is required.
- Knowledge of environmental requirements relative to routing, siting and permitting transmission projects.
· Familiarity with transmission line and substation construction.
- Knowledge of real estate law and governmental land use policies.
- Knowledge of ARCGIS and other electronic mapping and filing systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite and other computer skills.
- Skill to prepare and submit a variety of permits and compliance plans.
- Skill to effectively interact with internal and external individuals and groups through oral and written communications and public relations.
- Ability to work with governmental and agency personnel in negotiating permit terms and conditions.
- Ability to support and work well on a team and be a key contributor of expertise to team efforts.
Apply: Qualified candidates please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com (under the Careers tab) by August 22, 2025 . GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.
