Director of Land Management

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

 Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Job Summary

As the Director of Land Management, you will be responsible and accountable for optimizing land use for our solar projects, with a focus on agrivoltaics and sheep grazing. This role involves collaborating with various teams including asset management, pre-construction, construction, project engineering, and environmental permitting to develop and implement effective strategies for managing and optimizing solar assets. The Director of Land Management will also be responsible for overseeing the daily activities of the land management team and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and industry best practices. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in land management, agriculture, and renewable energy, with a passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship. 

Responsibilities

• Build the land management functions and team, for the operations of Urban Grid’s solar assets over time. 
• Provide guidance, mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members. 
• Develop and implement strategies and standards for integrating agrivoltaics and sheep grazing into solar project sites to maximize land productivity and ecological benefits. 
• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and landowners to identify suitable sites for agrivoltaics and grazing, considering factors such as solar resource potential, land availability, soil quality, and environmental impact. 
• Oversee the seed mix selection, design and installation for all projects.  
• Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of agrivoltaic systems and grazing management plans, ensuring alignment with project goals, regulatory requirements, and best practices in sustainable land use. 
• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners and regulators to establish Environmental Management Plans for projects and ensure compliance with the operations and asset management team. 
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies to evaluate the suitability of land for agrivoltaics and grazing, and recommend mitigation measures to address potential challenges or risks. 
• Manage relationships with agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and graziers, to facilitate lease agreements, vegetation management agreements and partnerships for land use on solar project sites. 
• Monitor and assess the performance of agrivoltaic systems and grazing practices, and implement improvements to optimize productivity, biodiversity, carbon reduction and ecosystem services. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, permits, and land use agreements related to agriculture, grazing, and environmental conservation. 
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to a team of land management professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. 
• Represent Urban Grid at industry events, conferences and within stakeholder groups. 
  

Location

Position is local to Houston with a hybrid office policy. Position may require periodic trips for team meetings or site visits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, agriculture, natural resource management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in land management, agriculture, or renewable energy development, with a focus on sustainable land use practices. 
• Strong understanding of agrivoltaics, agroecology, and regenerative agriculture principles, with demonstrated experience implementing these practices in solar project settings. 
• Knowledge of sheep grazing management, including breed selection, forage management, rotational grazing systems, and predator control measures. 
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, policies, and industry standards governing land use, environmental conservation, and renewable energy development. 
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage teams effectively. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective solutions to complex problems. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. 
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. 
• Excellent organizational skills and able to shift and set new priorities in moment’s notice. 
• Self-motivated, high energy, and has proven leadership skills in challenging environments. 

Benefits

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, voluntary life, and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with matching. Full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.