Mid-level Environmental Planner - Transmission focus

AECOM•Detroit, MI

9d•$90,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is hiring a mid-level Environmental Planner focused on transmission for its Environmental Planning and Permitting team in the Midwest. This hybrid position may be based in the Indianapolis, Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, or Detroit offices, with consideration for candidates elsewhere in the Upper Midwest. The team serves private-sector energy developers and public utilities on transmission, grid modernization, and renewable energy projects. The planner will lead or support project teams and work with environmental planning practitioners and technical subject matter experts to prepare environmental documents, with a focus on permitting and entitlement work. Projects include regional transmission programs, grid modernization, large-scale renewable energy developments, and complex multi-jurisdictional permitting efforts. As a seller-doer, the successful candidate will develop and maintain client relationships, lead pursuits and project teams, and contribute to growing AECOM’s energy permitting and environmental planning portfolio. AECOM’s Environment Business Line offers access to a global technical practice network and works on environmental challenges across a range of sectors and geographies. AECOM describes its work as providing sustainable solutions and its workplace as supporting employee growth through training, development, collaboration, and its Freedom to Grow initiative.

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 and 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

6 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 state utility commission documentation, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications, multidisciplinary resource technical studies and permitting, and NEPA documentation.
Experience with complex transmission and renewable energy permitting programs, including permitting, agency negotiation, and multi-state routing.
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, or business development pursuits.
Experience managing or supporting environmental planning or permitting projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and client communications.
Experience in proposal development.
Experience in a fast-paced consulting environment, including managing and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

Lead or support environmental planning and compliance for energy infrastructure projects, including coordination and filings with state utility regulatory agencies and public service commissions for transmission siting, routing, permitting, and certificate approvals across Midwest jurisdictions, particularly MISO, PJM, and SPP regions.
Prepare technical studies and NEPA documentation.
Manage early-stage due diligence for siting energy projects and associated infrastructure.
Manage small- to mid-sized projects and support large projects, including developing and tracking schedules, budgets, and invoices, and coordinating with clients, technical staff, and subconsultants.
Prepare environmental documents and entitlements for infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy sector.
Support projects across the Midwest and other U.S. markets by 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.