Director, Environmental Permitting at Scale Microgrid Solutions – Chicago, Illinois

The Role:

We are looking for a Director, Environmental Permitting, to lead and scale all environmental functions supporting development, permitting, construction, and operations of on-site power generation to support large data center loads across the U.S.

You will be responsible for leading all environmental strategy, permitting, compliance, and regulatory interface activities for Scale Microgrids Data Center business, providing executive-level oversight of environmental risk management across natural gas generation facilities, data center infrastructure, and electric transmission and distribution assets. You will establish environmental standards, manage agency relationships, oversee consultants, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule and in full regulatory compliance.

This is a leadership role with strategic and operational accountability. Environmental risk can kill a project quietly and expensively, and this role ensures our portfolio moves forward with regulatory certainty, disciplined compliance, and long-term operational stability.

The role reports to our Chief Development Officer, Data Centers, and is based in either our NYC, Ridgewood, NJ, Santa Monica/Oakland, CA, or Chicago offices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Biology, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive environmental experience in energy, utility, or infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing environmental programs or teams.
• Deep working knowledge of environmental regulations.
• Experience in natural gas generation and electric infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of air permitting for combustion turbines or reciprocating engines.
• Experience interfacing directly with federal and state regulatory agencies.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-permit development timelines.
• Strong executive communication skills.

Preferred skills:

• Master’s degree in environmental or related discipline.
• Professional certification (e.g., P.E., CEP, CHMM).
• Experience supporting data center infrastructure.
• GIS proficiency and ability to interpret spatial environmental data.
• Experience in microgrid or distributed energy development.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic thinker who understands how environmental decisions impact capital deployment and schedule.
• Calm and decisive under regulatory pressure.
• Able to balance compliance with development velocity.
• High ownership mindset.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Comfortable presenting to executive leadership and investors.