Director, FERC Project Development

~ Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE MKT: LNG) is a Houston-based energy company primarily engaged in LNG-related businesses. ~

We own and operate the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal and Creole Trail Pipeline located in Louisiana, through our general partner ownership interest in and management agreements with Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE MKT: CQP) and our partial ownership interest in Cheniere Energy Partners Holdings, LLC (NYSE MKT: CQH).

Position Overview

The Director of FERC Project Development reports directly to the Vice President, Environmental and will primarily support Cheniere LNG O&M Services, LLC as directed and requested. The Director, FERC Project Development is responsible for coordinating a multi-disciplinary team of professionals responsible for performing environmental tasks related to capital development projects, including FERC pre-filing and filing applications, environmental permitting, construction management, and certificate compliance in support of LNG and pipeline operations.

Responsibilities

• The Director, FERC Project Development will manage all aspects of the FERC NEPA process for jurisdictional projects and activities, including preparation of proposals, FERC filings, resource reports, tribal consultations, implementation plans, and other NEPA documentation; attend public and regulatory meetings throughout the FERC process; and advise management on regulatory issues.
• Work closely with Engineering & Construction teams to identify environmental permit and project design requirements during all aspects of project development; and ensure timely communication of project deliverables.
• Manage professionals responsible for environmental permitting aspects of project development, including USACE permitting, CWA permitting, USFWS and SHPO consultations, and environmental activities such as wetlands delineation/mitigation, biological assessments, T&E habitat characterization, and environmental inspection and reporting during construction.
• Coordinate with Capital Improvement Project teams to evaluate existing operating LNG terminal and natural gas pipeline infrastructure and integration of new/modified permit requirements related to new development or improvement and maintenance projects.
• Interface with Federal, state, and local permitting agencies, including field visits and environmental inspections.
• Provide environmental representation, advice, training, guidance, and support to LNG and pipeline Engineering & Construction staff.
• Coordinate with Operational Readiness teams to ensure seamless transition of projects from construction to operation phase, and provide support during and after project transition.
• Supervise team of multi-disciplinary environmental professionals and ensure ability to meet project deadlines, coordinate project budget(s), and related personnel matters.
• Provide continuous reporting and compliance documentation and support to Corporate Environmental staff.

Qualifications

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree preferred, in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, or related field, with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive experience in FERC environmental project management in support of an LNG, gas processing, and/or transportation facility.

Experience:

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of FERC project management experience for LNG and/or large natural gas infrastructure facilities.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership, management, and administrative abilities are required of the Director, FERC Project Development.
• In-depth knowledge of permitting and development aspects of large-scale energy projects.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Organized and able to manage multiple activities and programs timely and with a high degree of accuracy.
• Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision in a dynamic work environment.
• Strong and current knowledge of Federal, state, and local environmental laws, policies, and issues.
• Computer savvy, including ESS, Microsoft Office Suite consisting of Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Working Conditions:

• Must be willing to travel to/from off-site facilities and/or public meetings an average of 20 percent of time for multiple days per trip.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, work at height above ground on stairs and catwalks, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear, smell, type and write.
• Must be able to board a ship via a gangway and climb to the top of a tank (200+ steps).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work indoors and outdoors, and exposed to year around weather conditions, ocean environment, noise, and occasionally process gases and vapors.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Subject to drug and alcohol testing, per applicable federal regulations or as required by Cheniere.

Additional Information

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with FERC Section 3 and Section 7 requirements, environmental designs and specifications, and environmental permitting requirements to design and construct LNG and pipeline facilities. Understanding of all applicable Federal, state (Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma), and local environmental laws, regulations, codes, and standards and permits required to construct LNG terminal and pipeline facilities, including but not limited to: the Natural Gas Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and emergency response planning, management, and reporting.

Reports:

• There are 3-5 direct reports.

Freedom to Act:

• The Director, FERC Project Development is an expert in their field and requires minimal supervision.
• The Director, FERC Project Development shall be empowered to order corrective actions as needed and will document the corrective actions that may have violated environmental laws and regulations pursuant to facility regulatory permits or authorizations.