Assistant Project Manager - Environmental Permitting (Morristown, NJ)

Burns & McDonnell’s Environmental Services Global Practice is seeking a motivated Assistant Project Manager for Environmental Permitting to support our existing portfolio of energy clients with projects in New Jersey. This role involves managing external environmental consultants, tracking permit tasks and timelines, and maintaining detailed project schedules. Occasional project site visits may be required.

About the role

This role is essential in ensuring that permitting processes stay on track, enabling project milestones to be met on time and within regulatory requirements. The Assistant Project Manager will identify permit requirements, manage environmental subcontractors, schedule permit application submittals, develop permitting strategies, and ensure timely completion of deliverables. The position serves as a vital connection between the client, the project team, and regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations throughout the project duration.

Responsibilities

• Track and maintain permitting schedules, deadlines, and deliverables for on-time submissions and approvals.
• Support the client in retaining, overseeing, and coordinating third-party permitting consultants across multiple projects.
• Develop and update permit tracking tools and dashboards to monitor progress and flag potential delays.
• Participate in regular status meetings with consultants and internal stakeholders; document action items and follow-ups.
• Coordinate with internal teams to obtain required information for permit applications.
• Maintain organized digital filing systems for permit documents, correspondence, and records.
• Proactively identify and escalate issues or risks related to permitting processes.
• Identify appropriate federal, state, or local environmental permitting processes applicable to projects.
• Manage subcontractors tasked with obtaining regulatory permits and approvals.
• Oversee regulatory compliance efforts during construction, including:
  • SWPPP monitoring
  • Vegetation management and restoration
  • Rare, endangered, and threatened species monitoring
  • Invasive species management
  • Wetlands and waterbodies protection
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or graduate degree in a natural resources field, environmental science, environmental planning, or related field from an accredited program.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience obtaining environmental permits from various agencies.
• Prior experience with Federal, New Jersey state, and local environmental permitting, specifically with:
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
  • County Soil Conservation District
  • Green Acres and similar regulatory agencies
• Comprehensive understanding of environmental regulations, permitting processes, and specific New Jersey requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple project timelines, project teams, and subcontractors concurrently and effectively.
• Ability to clearly communicate both verbal and written technical information.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Valid driver’s license.

Pay

$90,000.00 - $210,000.00 yearly. The expected compensation range is based on individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and work location. The total annual compensation package includes a base salary and eligibility to participate in a discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance and disability coverage.
• Time off and wellness programs.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for eligible employees.
• 401(k) retirement program.

Travel: Yes, 10% of the time.