Senior Environmental Planner - Transmission focused
About The Position
AECOM is hiring a Senior Environmental Planner focused on transmission to join its Environmental Planning and Permitting (EPP) team in the Midwest. The hybrid role may be based in AECOM’s Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Columbus, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, or Detroit offices, with consideration for other Upper Midwest locations. The team supports private-sector and public-utility energy clients on transmission, grid modernization, and renewable energy projects, from regional transmission programs to large-scale renewable developments and complex, multi-jurisdictional permitting efforts. The role leads project teams and coordinates with environmental planning practitioners and technical subject matter experts to prepare environmental documents, particularly for permitting and entitlement work. As a seller-doer, the Senior Environmental Planner develops and maintains client relationships, leads pursuits and project teams, and helps expand AECOM’s energy permitting and environmental planning portfolio across the Midwest and the U.S. AECOM’s Environment business line offers access to a global technical practice network and expertise in environmental solutions and project delivery. The position is hybrid, requires travel for agency or client meetings as needed, and requires in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office. Relocation is not available.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, geography, natural resources, engineering, or a related field.
- At least 6 years of relevant experience, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, in electric transmission and renewable energy through state utility permitting applications, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications, and/or oversight of multidisciplinary technical teams for resource technical 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
- 10+ years of experience managing 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 involving state utility commission documents, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications, multidisciplinary technical teams, resource technical studies and permitting, and NEPA documentation.
- Advanced experience leading complex transmission and renewable energy permitting programs, including strategic permitting, agency negotiation, and multi-state routing efforts.
- Experience leading transmission permitting, routing, and certificate proceedings before state utility commissions and public service commissions in the Midwest or other U.S. jurisdictions; regulatory hearing or expert witness testimony experience is a plus.
- Experience supporting client development, proposal preparation, and/or business development pursuits.
- Experience managing environmental planning or permitting projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and client communications.
- Project management experience on environmental planning projects, including client interaction, schedule and budget controls, and invoicing.
- Demonstrated leadership in proposal development and successful pursuit of competitive bids.
- Experience in a fast-paced consulting environment managing and mentoring staff.
Responsibilities
- Lead environmental planning and compliance efforts 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 in MISO, PJM, and SPP regions.
- Prepare technical studies and NEPA documentation.
- Manage early-stage due diligence for siting energy projects and associated infrastructure.
- Manage mid- to large-sized projects, including 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 in the Midwest and other U.S. markets using AECOM’s national technical and project delivery platform.
- Contribute to marketing and business development, prepare proposals, and formulate proposal cost estimates as a seller-doer.
- Develop and maintain client relationships, lead pursuits and project teams, and support strategic growth initiatives.
- Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff by reviewing work, providing technical guidance, and supporting career development.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Life, AD&D, and disability benefits
- Paid time off and leaves of absence
- Voluntary benefits and perks
- Flexible work options
- Well-being resources
- Employee assistance program
- Business travel insurance
- Service recognition awards
- Retirement savings plan
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Award-winning training and development programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
