Mid-level Environmental Planner - Transmission focus

AECOM•Chicago, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is hiring a Mid-level Environmental Planner focused on transmission to join its Environmental Planning and Permitting team in the Midwest. This hybrid position may be based in AECOM offices in Indianapolis, Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, or Detroit, with consideration also given to candidates elsewhere in the Upper Midwest. The team serves private-sector and public-utility energy clients on transmission, grid modernization, and renewable energy projects. The Environmental Planner will lead or support project teams and collaborate with environmental planning practitioners and technical subject matter experts to prepare environmental documents, particularly for energy permitting and entitlement work. Projects may include regional transmission programs, grid modernization, large-scale renewable energy developments, and complex permitting efforts across multiple jurisdictions. As a seller-doer, the role also develops client relationships, leads pursuits and project teams, and supports growth of AECOM’s energy permitting and environmental planning work in the Midwest and nationally. AECOM describes its Environment business as a global team with a worldwide technical practice network, award-winning technical expertise, innovative project delivery, and sustainable solutions. The company’s Freedom to Grow initiative is intended to support employees’ individual pathways to excellence. Relocation is not available. Newly hired employees must attend in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office. AECOM offers benefits that may vary by employment status, including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D and disability benefits; paid time off and leaves; voluntary benefits; perks; flexible work options; well-being resources; an employee assistance program; business travel insurance; service recognition awards; a retirement savings plan; and an employee stock purchase plan.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, geography, natural resources, engineering, or a related field.
At least 4 years of relevant experience, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, in electric transmission and renewable energy through supporting state utility permitting applications, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications, and/or oversight of multidisciplinary technical teams for resource studies and permitting.
Ability to travel for agency or client meetings as needed.
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check in accordance with company policy.
U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of the work.

Nice To Haves

Six or more years successfully managing or supporting permitting and preparing state utility commission and related documentation, with a strong understanding of current state and federal regulations and guidance.
Electric transmission and renewable energy experience, including preparing or supporting state utility commission documents, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications, multidisciplinary resource studies, permitting, and NEPA documentation.
Experience with complex transmission and renewable energy permitting programs, including permitting, agency negotiation, and multi-state routing efforts.
Experience with transmission permitting, routing, and certificate proceedings before state utility commissions and public service commissions in the Midwest or other U.S. jurisdictions.
Experience supporting regulatory hearings or expert witness testimony.
Project or deputy project management experience on environmental planning projects, including client interaction, schedule and budget controls, and invoicing.
Experience supporting client development, proposal preparation, and/or business development pursuits.
Experience managing or supporting environmental planning or permitting projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and client communications.
Proposal development experience.
Experience in a fast-paced consulting environment managing and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

Lead or support environmental planning and compliance efforts for energy infrastructure projects.
Coordinate and prepare filings with state utility regulatory agencies and public service commissions for transmission siting, routing, permitting, and certificate approval across Midwest jurisdictions, especially MISO, PJM, and SPP regions.
Prepare technical studies and NEPA documentation.
Manage early-stage due diligence for energy project and associated infrastructure siting.
Manage small- to mid-sized projects and support large projects, including developing and tracking schedules, budgets, invoicing, and coordination with clients, technical staff, and subconsultants.
Prepare environmental documents and entitlements for infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy sector.
Support projects across Midwest and other U.S. markets using AECOM’s national technical and project delivery platform.
Contribute to marketing and business development, prepare proposals, and develop proposal cost estimates as a seller-doer.
Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff by reviewing work products, providing technical guidance, and supporting career development.