Mid-Level Environmental Associate

Sargent & Lundy • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of Sargent & Lundy’s Environmental and Permitting team, the Environmental Associate reviews, evaluates, and implements federal, state, and local environmental regulatory requirements for electric power, nuclear power, and industrial projects. The role uses environmental regulations and engineering principles to define, evaluate, and implement environmental mitigation, compliance, and permitting work in response to project-team and client needs.

The position involves preparing site-specific environmental impact studies and technical reports; supporting project design to address environmental requirements; developing permit matrices and applications; and coordinating with permitting agencies. Projects may include fossil fuel and nuclear power facilities, wind and solar energy projects, substations, and transmission lines. The role also offers peer learning and knowledge sharing through the company’s processes and Communities of Practice, as well as travel to client offices and project sites. Some international travel may be required.

The position follows a hybrid schedule and requires in-office work three days per week. Sargent & Lundy does not sponsor employees for U.S. work authorization for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental impact assessment, and/or permitting for complex industrial projects.
• Familiarity with environmental laws and regulations applicable to large industrial facilities, including NEPA, the Threatened & Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and RCRA.
• Environmental impact assessment or permitting experience in one or more of the listed areas: environmental impact assessments; Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessments; subsequent license renewals and associated environmental reports; Title V permit applications; NPDES wastewater and construction stormwater discharge permitting; Army Corps wetlands permitting; SWPPP/SPCC plans; or major source air permitting, including air permit applications, emissions calculations, New Source Review, and PSD permitting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact and multitask with project team members, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and coordinate inputs among internal engineering teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to provide guidance to associate staff members.
• Experience with Microsoft applications, with proficiency specifically in Excel and Word.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS mapping and experience developing interactive maps showing critical environmental resources such as wetlands, critical habitats, and other sensitive receptors.
• GIS certification or coursework.
• Proficiency in AERMOD and experience preparing software inputs.
• Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review and implement federal, state, and local environmental regulatory requirements for specific projects.
• Develop strategies for cost-effective environmental mitigation and compliance plans.
• Prepare site-specific environmental impact studies evaluating the suitability of sites for power generation and transmission projects.
• Work with project engineers to ensure designs and project development account for relevant environmental requirements.
• Prepare permit matrices and permit applications, and interface with federal, state, and local permitting agencies.
• Prepare technical reports, including site selection studies, environmental and social impact assessments, compliance audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Coordinate inputs among internal engineering teams, clients, and regulatory agencies across multiple projects.
• Provide guidance to associate staff members.
• Participate in peer learning, knowledge sharing, and the company’s System of Processes and Communities of Practice.
• Travel to client offices and project sites for project reviews; some international travel may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health plans.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Back-up daycare.
• FSA and HSA.
• 401(k).
• Pre-tax commuter account.
• Merit scholarship program.
• Employee discount program.
• Corporate charitable giving program.
• Tuition assistance.
• First professional licensure bonus.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Paid annual personal/sick time.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Eligible positions may participate in a yearly discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level