Permitting Project Manager - Environmental Services (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell's operation in the Great Lakes Region is seeking an Environmental Project Manager to manage projects and oversee environmental permitting within our Chicago Office. This position reports to the Chicago Natural and Cultural Resources Department Manager.

About the role

This position requires thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local permitting requirements associated with the development and construction of new projects throughout the U.S. in market sectors such as oil and gas, electric, and renewables.

Responsibilities

• Execute and manage multiple environmental projects with multi-faceted components.
• Participate in business development activities, including proposal development, cost estimates, client presentations, and expanding client relationships.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to less experienced staff.
• Lead project teams on tasks such as field surveys, environmental permitting with federal, state, and local agencies, and review of project reports.
• Interface daily with agencies to obtain approvals, submit permit applications, and prepare timely responses.
• Develop client relationships, build business, and expand services to new clients.
• Manage work within budget and schedule expectations for each project.
• Apply technical and creative solutions to natural resources permitting.
• Advise clients on strategies for obtaining permits and maintaining compliance with regulations and permit conditions.
• Provide guidance on regulations and permitting through USACE, USEPA, and various state and local regulations.
• Publish technical papers and deliver presentations at conferences.
• Travel as required by project or client commitments.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in environmental science, environmental planning, or environmental/civil engineering preferred, with at least 7 years of applicable experience in environmental permitting projects in the upper Midwest.
• Experience in multiple market sectors, particularly electric utility, renewable, and oil & gas facility markets, is a plus.
• Experience leading negotiations with regulators on environmental permitting requirements.
• Knowledge of regulations and permitting requirements for wetlands, threatened and endangered species, stormwater and erosion & sediment control, cultural resources, architectural history, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Technical expertise in one or more of these fields is required.
• Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to collaborate with a team.
• Experience managing staff, including career path development, mentoring, and growth.
• Ability to manage in a dynamic team environment, work under pressure to meet deadlines, and work professionally with regulators, public officials, and clients.
• Experience with environmental permitting in other Midwest states is desired.

Pay

$125,000.00–220,000.00 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 for 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.

Schedule

Full-time. Travel required up to 25% of the time.