Senior Environmental Planner - Transmission focused

AECOM•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner focused on transmission to join its Environmental Planning and Permitting team in the Midwest. This hybrid position may be based in the Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Columbus, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, or Detroit offices; other Upper Midwest locations may also be considered. The team supports private-sector energy companies and public utilities on transmission, grid modernization, and renewable energy projects. The position leads project teams and collaborates with environmental planning practitioners and technical experts to prepare environmental documents, with an emphasis on permitting and entitlement work for energy developers and utilities. Projects include regional transmission programs, grid modernization, large-scale renewable energy developments, and complex, multi-jurisdictional permitting efforts. The role also functions as a seller-doer, developing client relationships, leading pursuits and project teams, and growing AECOM’s energy permitting and environmental planning portfolio in the Midwest while supporting strategic growth across the United States. AECOM describes its Environment business as a global network of environmental experts delivering technical excellence, innovative project delivery, and sustainable solutions across client sectors and geographies. The position includes access to this internal technical network and the company’s training and development resources. Relocation is not available. Newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office.

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 equivalent 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 conducting 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

10 or more years of successfully managing permitting and preparing state utility commission and related documentation, with a strong understanding of current state and federal regulations and guidance.
Experience with electric transmission and renewable energy, including state utility commission documents, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications, multidisciplinary technical studies and permitting, and NEPA documentation.
Advanced experience leading complex transmission and renewable energy permitting programs, including strategic permitting, agency negotiation, and multistate 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.
Experience supporting regulatory hearings or expert witness testimony.
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.
Coordinate with and prepare filings for state utility regulatory agencies and public service commissions to support transmission siting, routing, permitting, and certificate approval processes, especially in MISO, PJM, and SPP regions.
Prepare technical studies and NEPA documentation.
Manage early-stage due diligence for energy project siting 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 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, providing technical guidance, and supporting career development.
Develop and maintain client relationships, lead pursuits and project teams, and support the growth of AECOM’s energy permitting and environmental planning portfolio.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability benefits, depending on employment status.
Paid time off and leaves of absence, depending on employment status.
Voluntary benefits and perks, depending on employment status.
Flexible work options.
Well-being resources and an employee assistance program.
Business travel insurance.
Service recognition awards.
Retirement savings plan.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Training and development programs.