Regional Environmental Assessment Lead

Hanson Professional Services Inc.•Chicago, IL

5d•$110,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Hanson is seeking a Regional Environmental Assessment Lead to play a key role in advancing critical infrastructure and development projects while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting natural resources. This role involves leading NEPA documentation and permitting efforts, guiding field investigations, and stakeholder engagement, making a meaningful impact on projects that improve how people live, work, and connect. The position contributes to impactful infrastructure, transportation, power, water, and land development projects.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of NEPA, CWA Section 404/401 permitting, ESA compliance, and other major environmental laws.
Demonstrated experience with fieldwork and technical reporting.
Excellent communication, technical writing, and client interaction skills.
Ability to work in multidisciplinary project teams.
Ability to travel for project-related work (primarily regional).
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental engineering, or related field.
5+ years of relevant environmental consulting or regulatory agency experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Professional certifications such as PWS, CEP, CPESC, CHMM, or similar preferred.
Experience in transportation, utility, energy, federal, or municipal project environments.
Familiarity with GIS applications, ecological modeling, or advanced environmental analysis tools preferred.
Experience with Illinois Tollway, IDOT, INDOT, and rail projects preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage complex environmental projects from planning through delivery.
Conduct and oversee environmental modeling, field surveys, data analysis, and technical studies.
Prepare, review, and certify technical reports, categorical exclusions (CEs), environmental assessments (EAs), and environmental permit applications.
Develop scopes, schedules, budgets, and ensure project delivery meets quality and regulatory expectations.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including NEPA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, RCRA and related state-level environmental laws.
Coordinate with regulatory agencies, including USACE, USFWS, EPA, state agencies and local municipalities.
Lead wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species assessments, habitat evaluations, Phase I ESAs, and other field investigations.
Serve as a technical advisor and trusted consultant to clients across multiple markets.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, planners, surveyors, and GIS specialists.
Support environmental staff, internal training and technical development.
Assist in proposal development, including technical writing, project approach, and cost estimating.
Participate in client meetings, presentations, and industry events representing Hanson’s environmental capabilities.
Help grow Hanson’s environmental practice in the Greater Chicago Area.