Permitting Project Manager

Our client is looking for a Permitting Project Manager. This position will require a thorough knowledge of the federal, state, and local permitting requirements associated with the development and construction of new projects throughout the U.S. in market sectors such as oil and gas, electric, and renewables. The position will report to the Chicago Natural and Cultural Resources Department Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Execution of and project management for multiple environmental projects which include multi-faceted components.
• Participate in business development activities including the development of proposals and cost estimates for new projects, development of and participation in client-facing presentations, and manage existing relationships with existing clients while contributing to the expansion of our growing Chicago business.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to less experienced staff members.
• Leading project teams on a variety of tasks, including completion of field surveys, environmental permitting with federal, state and local agencies, review of necessary project reports and materials.
• Daily interfacing with various agencies to obtain approvals, submit permit applications and prepare responses in a timely manner.
• Daily interfacing with clients to develop relationships, build business, and expand services to new clients.
• Manage work within budget and schedule expectations for each project.
• Applying technical and creative solutions to natural resources permitting.
• Advising clients of appropriate strategies to obtain permits and maintain compliance with regulations and permit conditions.
• Providing guidance on regulations and permitting through USACE, USEPA, and various state and local regulations pertaining to the environmental permitting of new projects.
• Publication of technical papers and delivering presentations at conferences.
• Travel may be required as necessary and required by project or client commitments.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in environmental science, environmental planning, or environmental/civil engineering preferred with at least 7 years of applicable experience successfully executing and managing various environmental permitting projects in the upper Midwest.
• Experience with FERC and/or NEPA
• Experience in multiple market sectors is a plus with an emphasis on electric utility, renewable, and oil & gas facility markets. The applicant should possess experience in leading negotiations with regulators pertaining to environmental permitting requirements.
• The preferred applicant will also possess knowledge of regulations and permitting requirements for wetlands, threatened and endangered species, stormwater and erosion & sediment control, cultural resources and architectural history, and the National Environmental Policy Act. Technical expertise in one or more of these fields required.
• Successful candidate must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to collaborate with a team.
• The candidate must have experience with managing staff and/or have had direct reports and be responsible for career path development, mentoring and growth.
• The candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to manage in a dynamic team environment, work under pressure to meet deadlines, and work effectively and professionally with various audiences (i.e., regulators, public officials, clients, etc.).
• Experience with environmental permitting in other states throughout the Midwest is also desired.