Senior Environmental Project Manager 1

GAI Consultants • Austin, TX

5d • $130,000 - $170,000

About The Position

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Environmental Project Manager to lead permitting and regulatory compliance efforts for inter- and intra- state energy infrastructure projects in the renewables, utilities and gas sectors. Responsibilities span project lifecycle management—from siting/routing, NEPA compliance and permitting, to state and federal agency coordination and construction support—while ensuring adherence to related regulatory requirements. The position combines technical expertise with strategic project leadership, client engagement, and a business development mindset. Position Responsibilities: Lead complex environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for power/energy projects across the full project lifecycle: routing/siting, NEPA documentation (EA/EIS), permitting, licensing and construction compliance. Serve as the primary client contact and agency liaison: facilitate and present at stakeholder meetings and public hearings; proactively engage and negotiate permitting pathways with USACE, USFWS, state wildlife agencies, SHPOs, and local jurisdictions; and maintain strong agency and client relationships that advance project approvals. Serve as a client account manager responsible for developing long-term client relationships in order to secure repeat business. Guide strategy and direct technical teams in the preparation, submission, and tracking of environmental studies associated with licensing/permit applications and consultations for energy/utility projects. Provide senior level review for technical studies, environmental documentation, and regulatory filings. Negotiate complex permit/licensing conditions and mitigation strategies with agencies and stakeholders. Manage multidisciplinary project teams (including subconsultants), project budgets, schedules, identify potential project risks, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery. Drive business development: identify opportunities, lead proposal strategy and writing, prepare interview materials, and support account growth across energy infrastructure and energy markets. Lead efforts to recruit, mentor and train junior and mid-level staff in environmental project management, regulatory compliance, and project safety best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years leading environmental licensing and permitting for intrastate energy infrastructure projects regulated by Public Utility Commissions and/or interstate projects regulated by FERC, with proven expertise in Section 7(b)/7(c) filings under the Natural Gas Act, NEPA/CEQA documentation/coordination, and agency engagement.
• Expertise in regulations, orders, and standards administered by these regulatory agencies with a working knowledge with other applicable state and federal environmental regulations.
• Strong project management skills with a successful track record of overseeing and delivering multiple complex projects in various phases of development and geographic locations on time and on budget.
• Proven ability to author, manage and review permit applications and technical studies supporting federal, state, and local regulatory documentation and submissions.
• Demonstrated success in business development, forecasting and client relationship management within an environmental consulting setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present at public hearings, agency, and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams both in office and remotely by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
• Ability to travel (up to 25%) to GAI office locations, business development events/conferences, stakeholder events, agency hearings, and client meetings as needed.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with energy transition projects (e.g., hydrogen, CCUS, CO₂ transportation, renewables) and associated regulatory frameworks in the Midwest and Gulf states, particularly Texas.
• Familiarity with EPC delivery environments and third‑party NEPA contracting.
• Proven track record of team leadership and project management with energy projects, including specific experience with obtaining FERC authorizations for interstate energy projects on time and within budget.
• Established working relationships with FERC, USACE, USFWS, and related state regulatory agencies.
• This position prefers candidates to be in Texas. However, candidates with extensive Texas, Arizona, or California project experience located in the Midwest or Southwest US are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for power/energy projects across the full project lifecycle: routing/siting, NEPA documentation (EA/EIS), permitting, licensing and construction compliance.
• Serve as the primary client contact and agency liaison: facilitate and present at stakeholder meetings and public hearings; proactively engage and negotiate permitting pathways with USACE, USFWS, state wildlife agencies, SHPOs, and local jurisdictions; and maintain strong agency and client relationships that advance project approvals.
• Serve as a client account manager responsible for developing long-term client relationships in order to secure repeat business.
• Guide strategy and direct technical teams in the preparation, submission, and tracking of environmental studies associated with licensing/permit applications and consultations for energy/utility projects.
• Provide senior level review for technical studies, environmental documentation, and regulatory filings.
• Negotiate complex permit/licensing conditions and mitigation strategies with agencies and stakeholders.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams (including subconsultants), project budgets, schedules, identify potential project risks, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Drive business development: identify opportunities, lead proposal strategy and writing, prepare interview materials, and support account growth across energy infrastructure and energy markets.
• Lead efforts to recruit, mentor and train junior and mid-level staff in environmental project management, regulatory compliance, and project safety best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary - GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire)
• New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program
• Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays 
• 401k company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees