Lead Environmental Planning and Permitting Specialist

WSP•Merrimack, NH

17h

About The Position

This Opportunity Serve as key member of WSP’s regional Environmental Planning and Permitting program, with focus on project delivery, client communications, and project/task/staff management. Management and preparation of documentation compliant with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for a variety of project scopes and clients. Specific tasks would include preparing and adhering to scopes, schedules, budgets, completing or overseeing all components of environmental documentation, and mentoring junior staff. Will work collaboratively with Environmental Planning and Permitting leadership and technical staff throughout the northeastern US. Proven experience with Federal and State agencies is a requirement; experience with regional Transportation is preferred. Your Impact Assist with scoping, strategic planning, and developing permitting execution strategy for clients on a variety of projects, encompassing development of proposals, including development of scope of work/technical approach, budget, and schedule. Prepare and complete environmental survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. ESA and CWA permitting, NEPA, state level environmental policy acts, etc.). Perform professional environmental planning work and conduct investigations, inspections, and environmental studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental needs. Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory compliance, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion. Provide environmental risk identification and impact assessment, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level threat mitigation and permitting activities projects to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population. Assist with scoping, strategic planning, and developing permitting execution strategy for clients on medium- to large-sized projects. Coordinate with clients, resource/regulatory agencies, and environmental and technical staff in a confident and professional manner. Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients. Actively engage in business development and proposal writing. Remain current in latest environmental planning subject matter, practices, regulations, and techniques. Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures. Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
7 to 10 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental impact assessments, and permitting.
Highly proficient analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology, habitats, and applicable regulatory zone.
Expertise and experience relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
Demonstrated experience leading and reviewing environmental planning technical reports, environmental impact evaluations, siting reports, and environmental permit applications and licensing, including field surveys and reporting, and resource and impact evaluations (e.g. commercial, renewable energy, infrastructure, etc.)
Established experience coordinating with clients, regulatory permitting and resource agencies, and environmental technical staff required.
Well-developed expertise with consulting practices, conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation.
Highly proficient self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
Proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree is preferred.
Essential professional licensure/certification.

Responsibilities

Assist with scoping, strategic planning, and developing permitting execution strategy for clients on a variety of projects, encompassing development of proposals, including development of scope of work/technical approach, budget, and schedule.
Prepare and complete environmental survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. ESA and CWA permitting, NEPA, state level environmental policy acts, etc.).
Perform professional environmental planning work and conduct investigations, inspections, and environmental studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental needs.
Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory compliance, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion.
Provide environmental risk identification and impact assessment, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level threat mitigation and permitting activities projects to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
Assist with scoping, strategic planning, and developing permitting execution strategy for clients on medium- to large-sized projects.
Coordinate with clients, resource/regulatory agencies, and environmental and technical staff in a confident and professional manner.
Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
Actively engage in business development and proposal writing.
Remain current in latest environmental planning subject matter, practices, regulations, and techniques.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.