Environmental Compliance Director

Position Summary

The Environmental Compliance Director leads and develops the company’s environmental compliance programs across geothermal drilling, power generation, and auxiliary operations in the United States and international locations. This role ensures adherence to federal, state, and local environmental regulations and company standards while driving continuous improvement in environmental performance.

Essential Functions

- Regulatory Compliance and Permitting

- Manage compliance with environmental permits and reporting requirements related to air, water, waste, hazardous materials, wildlife, and cultural resources.

- Oversee permitting processes for geothermal drilling, energy generation and storage.

- Maintain working relationships with federal, state and local regulatory agencies.

- Oversee companywide environmental compliance calendar, ensuring timely renewals and submissions.

- Program Development and Oversight

- Develop, implement, and audit environmental management systems aligned with ISO 14001 principles.

- Coordinate internal and third-party environmental audits and inspections; oversee corrective action closeouts.

- Establish environmental performance metrics and integrate them into company reporting.

- Operational Support and Leadership

- Provide technical guidance to project teams during drilling, construction, and operations to ensure environmental controls and best practices are applied.

- Partner with drilling, operations, and engineering teams to minimize environmental impacts from routine and non-routine activities.

- Strategic Initiatives and External Engagement

- Support sustainability initiatives including greenhouse gas management, water use optimization, and biodiversity protection.

- Represent the company in regulatory hearings, public meetings, and industry associations.

- Involved in Human Resource matters including hiring, promotion, disciplinary action, and termination of personnel in coordination with local and corporate management and in accordance with company policies and procedures.

- Must possess at any time a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to ORMAT.

- Must be able to operate a vehicle in a safe manner.

- Must be able to work weekends and holidays when necessary.

- Work primarily out of main office and onsite as required.

Other Responsibilities

- Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required

- Education and Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).

- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in environmental compliance within the energy, mining, or geothermal industries.

- Demonstrated experience managing multi-state and/or international compliance programs.

- Prior experience managing people is preferred.

- Skills and Attributes

- In-depth knowledge of U.S. environmental regulations and state-level programs.

- Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.

- Ability to analyze complex data, interpret regulations, and develop practical, field-ready solutions.

- Must be able to use and acquire knowledge of a variety of computer software applications. Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and use of the Internet.

- Must be able to read, write and speak English at a level which will permit the employee to accurately understand and communicate information to perform the job duties safely and efficiently.

- The ability to work well individually or in a team-oriented environment.

- Must have organizational skills, a focus on details, quality control, and strong interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements

- Up to 30% domestic and international travel as required.

- Ability to work at a computer and computer monitor and use repetitive motion for long periods of time.

- Ability to occasionally lift 25 pounds.

- Must be able to climb ladders, climb to and work off of elevated platforms, ladders and walkways.

- Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties including fire retardant clothing.

- Job requires sitting and/or standing for long periods of time with moderate bending, stooping, and kneeling.