Environmental Permitting Project Manager

Port Houston•Houston, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Permitting Project Manager will lead the coordination, preparation, and submittal of environmental permits and regulatory approvals for land-based capital projects and port/channel operations. This role focuses on USACE, EPA, TCEQ, and NEPA-related compliance and ensures environmental due diligence for upland development, remediation, and ecosystem impact review, distinctly separate from the marine regulatory and channel operations permitting managed by the Channel/Marine Regulatory group. This role will serve as the subject matter expert and permit project manager for environment based upland activities (wetlands, threatened and endangered species review, cultural resources, air, remediation efforts, and other land-based related scopes). It will also support Port Houston’s sustainability and resilience efforts by ensuring permitting projects meet current environmental regulations and best practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
6+ years of progressive experience in environmental permitting, with a focus on state and federal land-based environmental regulatory compliance.
In-depth understanding of: Clean Water Act (404/401) as applied to land-based projects NEPA, ESA, RCRA, CERCLA, TCEQ regulatory programs Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Experience coordinating with EPA, TCEQ, and local environmental agencies.
Previous and comprehensive experience in permitting projects in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Ability to interpret environmental regulations, communicate permitting strategies, and manage consultants and timelines.
Strong analytical, writing, and project management skills.
Experience supporting infrastructure projects in port, transportation, industrial, or utility sectors.
Familiarity with GIS mapping and environmental data systems.
Knowledge of asbestos regulations and abatement protocols.
Experience with TCEQ Remediation Division processes and correspondence.
Strong knowledge of Clean Water Act (Sections 404, 401), NEPA, ESA, MBTA, RCRA, CERCLA, and Clean Air Act
Familiarity with TCEQ permitting programs (stormwater, air, waste, remediation)
Understanding of Nationwide and General Permits (as applicable to upland development)
Knowledge of NEPA compliance processes (EA, EIS)
Experience with Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments
Awareness of TCEQ’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and corrective action processes
Understanding of wetland delineation, habitat surveys, and ecological assessments
Ability to interpret and apply complex environmental regulations
Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
Project management skills for tracking multiple permits and deadlines
Stakeholder engagement with agencies, consultants, and internal teams
Critical thinking and environmental risk analysis
Competency in reviewing and editing environmental reports and permits
Ability to collaborate across departments and functions
Work independently and use sound judgment in permit planning
Adapt to evolving regulations and project needs
Maintain organized documentation and records
Coordinate consultants, contractors, and field teams for surveys or studies
Maintains integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
Highly detail-oriented and organized
Shows initiative and takes ownership of responsibilities
Team-oriented and supportive of department goalsExcellent written and verbal communication skills as well as presentation skills
Computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Ability to mentor and support subordinates and promote a high degree of motivation
Ability to travel to attend conferences, meetings and workshops
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to track and explain any differences in budget line items
Ability to interact comfortably with all levels of management
Attention to detail
A current, valid Texas driver's license is required
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment
Considered essential employees and may be required to work on holidays, evenings, nights, and be immediately recalled for emergencies at anytime. They must remain available and "on call" 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, dependent on emergency
Ethics and Values
Focus Group Efforts
Leadership Presence
Management Focus
Strategic Decision Making
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills
Cybersecurity Awareness and Collaboration
Innovation and Technology Adaptation

Responsibilities

Serve as permit project manager for all non-marine, land-based environmental permits, including: Nationwide Permits (NWP) under Section 404/10/401, with USACE when applicable. TCEQ permits and registrations (e.g., stormwater, remediation, air, waste). EPA-regulated activities, such as spill prevention, hazardous materials, and site investigations.
Monitor, interpret, track, and analyze proposed environmental, energy and related legislation, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and local levels that could potentially adversely impact Port Houston or could significantly increase environmental compliance requirements and costs.
Lead or support NEPA compliance processes, including Environmental Assessments (EA) and coordination of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), when triggered by federal funding or agencies.
Conduct and/or manage consultants for wetland delineations, biological surveys, and species/habitat impact assessments.
Oversee Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to support real estate, development, or remediation decisions.
Manage and ensure compliance with: TCEQ’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) or Corrective Action processes. Asbestos abatement and disposal oversight and documentation. Tier II hazardous chemical inventory reporting and coordination with internal departments.
Track and interpret regulatory updates from EPA, TCEQ, and other relevant agencies; assess implications for Port operations and permitting timelines.
Serve as the liaison with internal stakeholders and consultants to ensure timely, complete submittal of permit applications and environmental reports.
Maintain documentation, correspondence logs, and project tracking in coordination with the Environmental Compliance Coordinator and project managers.
Ensure delineation from Channel Marine Regulatory by coordinating, when necessary, on joint jurisdictional determinations but keeping this role focused strictly on upland and terrestrial environmental permitting responsibilities.
Represent Port Houston in interagency meetings and public engagement forums on topics within this role’s scope.
Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
Perform related duties as required