Senior Transmission Line Permitting Specialist - Environmental

AECOM•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a Senior Transmission Line Permitting Specialist to join its Environmental Planning and Permitting team in Texas. This hybrid position may be based in the Houston, Dallas, or Austin office. The role supports private industry and public utility clients on transmission, grid modernization, renewable energy, and other complex energy infrastructure projects across Texas and other U.S. markets. The specialist will lead environmental planning and compliance work, prepare environmental documents and technical studies, and support permitting and entitlement work for energy developers and utilities. The role includes managing project teams and mid- to large-sized projects, coordinating with clients, agencies, technical staff, and subconsultants, and contributing as a seller-doer by developing client relationships, leading pursuits, and expanding AECOM’s energy permitting work. The specialist will also mentor personnel and review their work. The role requires travel for agency or client meetings as needed, a valid driver’s license, passing a Motor Vehicle Records check, and U.S. citizenship. 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 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 preparing PUC and/or NEPA documents, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications, and/or overseeing multidisciplinary technical teams for 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.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years of successful permitting management and preparation of PUC and NEPA documentation.
Strong understanding of current state and federal regulations and guidance.
Experience with electric transmission and renewable energy, including preparing PUC and/or NEPA documents, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications, and/or overseeing multidisciplinary technical teams for resource studies and permitting.
Experience leading NEPA and technical studies and other requirements for projects on federal lands, such as Endangered Species Act compliance and Clean Water Act permitting.
Experience leading licensing with the PUCT and/or other state transmission agencies.
Experience with expert witness testimony.
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 preparing NEPA documentation and technical studies.
Coordinate with state utility regulatory agencies, including PUCs, PSCs, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to support transmission siting, routing, and permitting approvals such as CCN.
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 high-profile infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy sector.
Support projects across Texas and other U.S. markets using AECOM’s national 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 help expand AECOM’s regional energy permitting portfolio.
Mentor personnel, review their work for accuracy and clarity, and provide constructive feedback on project tasks.