Senior Transmission Line Permitting Specialist - Environmental

AECOM•Houston, TX

3d•$100,000 - $137,000•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 AECOM’s Houston, Dallas, or Austin offices. The role supports private-industry and public-utility energy clients on transmission, grid modernization, renewable energy, and complex multi-jurisdictional permitting projects. The specialist will lead project teams and prepare environmental documents, with a focus on permitting and entitlement work for energy developers and utilities. The position also includes seller-doer responsibilities: developing and maintaining client relationships, leading pursuits and project teams, and growing AECOM’s regional energy permitting portfolio. Projects may span Texas and other U.S. markets using AECOM’s national platform.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental planning 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 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 due to the nature of the work.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years of successful permitting management and PUC and NEPA documentation experience, with a 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, including Endangered Species Act compliance and Clean Water Act permitting.
Experience leading licensing with the PUCT and/or other state transmission agencies; expert witness testimony experience is a plus.
Environmental planning project management experience, 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 for energy infrastructure projects, including preparing NEPA documentation and technical studies and coordinating with state utility regulatory agencies, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to support transmission siting, routing, and permitting approvals such as CCN.
Manage early-stage due diligence for siting energy projects and associated infrastructure.
Manage mid- to large-sized projects, including developing and tracking schedules and budgets, invoicing, and coordinating with clients, technical staff, and subconsultants.
Prepare environmental documents and entitlement materials for high-profile infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy sector.
Contribute to marketing and business development, prepare proposals, and develop proposal cost estimates as a seller-doer.
Mentor personnel, review their work for accuracy and clarity, and provide constructive feedback on project tasks.
Develop and maintain client relationships, lead pursuits and project teams, and expand AECOM’s energy permitting portfolio in the region.