Senior Environmental Planning Specialist

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) is a dynamic medium-size consulting firm with offices across the United States and Canada. We specialize in applied ecological studies, sophisticated analysis of natural resource data, and impact assessment and permitting. Since its founding in 1990, WEST has shaped its work through core values that prioritize meaningful impact for clients, communities, and the environment. Join a team of passionate, committed, and highly motivated professionals.

About the role

This full-time position is designed for growth within WEST's Power Delivery and Environmental Planning, Permitting, and Assessment groups. The Senior Environmental Planning Specialist will serve as an experienced project manager, leading large-scale energy projects such as transmission, oil and gas, solar, and/or wind. Responsibilities include managing projects, assembling and leading teams of permitting and environmental specialists, and overseeing pre-construction surveys, agency coordination, and permitting. The role also emphasizes mentoring deputy project managers and providing senior advisement. While the focus will likely be on transmission line projects, the selected candidate may also support other renewable energy or development projects based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Complete and direct project management and support tasks related to project siting evaluation, environmental planning, or environmental reviews (e.g., federal/state/local site permitting, wetland and/or water resource permitting, environmental site assessments).
• Coordinate and manage natural resource field studies (e.g., wildlife, wetlands).
• Direct multi-disciplinary teams (including internal staff and external sub-consultants) in completing environmental reviews for small, medium, and large-scale energy projects.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, and stakeholders to support client-directed project work.
• Collaborate closely with clients to address real-time requests and implement scientific consulting solutions, navigating the regulatory landscape and providing innovative solutions.
• Review reports, applying expertise to present and interpret the results of field and desktop studies in their scientific and regulatory context.
• Ensure team alignment on field data management and GIS data processes to meet WEST standards and client/agency requirements.
• Market WEST's capabilities, respond to proposal requests, and provide oversight into the development of scopes of work and budget estimates.
• Foster current business relationships and promote new business development efforts.
• Cultivate strategic client relationships, identify new opportunities, and support business pursuit strategies.
• Help maintain WEST's position as thought leaders in the environmental consulting market.
• Manage project teams, deliverables, and budgets for multiple projects.
• Mentor deputy project managers.
• Occasional overnight travel is required.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of environmental permitting and experience effectively communicating with clients and agency staff through planning regulations at the local, state, and federal level (e.g., Clean Water Act Section 404/10 permitting, NEPA, NPDES permitting, ESA compliance, BGEPA permitting, zoning/land development permitting).
• Preferred background in natural resource science (including wildlife biology, wetland delineation, plant identification, restoration science, or other areas of ecology relevant to commercial clients).
• 10+ years of directly relevant experience in environmental consulting and project management, including demonstrated experience leading large and complex projects.
• Extensive experience in budgeting large projects and proposal writing.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage large and diverse teams, natural resource field studies, data collection and GIS processes, and personnel with varying levels of experience and expertise.
• Excellent writing skills with a focus on detail and accuracy in reporting scientific methods and results of field studies, including GIS data management.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, marketing, and maintaining positive relationships with clients or stakeholders, with a desire to drive and grow the WEST team.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to work well under time constraints and changing circumstances.
• Strong focus on quality deliverables and client service, while maintaining a positive collaborative team approach.
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in environmental planning, biological sciences, natural resources, ecology, or equivalent, and/or GIS. Master’s degree preferred.
• After an offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver’s license is required.

Pay

The minimum base salary for this position is $100,000 - $160,000, plus an annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge, and experience.

Location

Location is flexible, although preference is given to candidates in the southwest, northwest, or Rocky Mountain regions of the United States.