Environmental Permitting Specialist - job 3 of 5

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AECOM is actively seeking a Permitting Specialist with proven Mid-Atlantic and most importantly New Jersey environmental permitting experience for work in the AECOM Conshohocken, Pennsylvania office.  Other office locations may be considered.  The successful candidate will work within an interdisciplinary collaborative environment that provides career growth opportunities within AECOM’s Environmental Planning and Permitting (EPP) Mid-Atlantic Region Team.  This position will include directing and completing state as well as federal permitting to include report writing, permitting application preparation, directing environmental/engineering/cultural resources support staff and coordinating with agencies and clients.  Experience with invasive and rare, threatened and endangered (T&E) species surveys, as well as wetland mitigation and/or monitoring experience will also be considered as part of this role.  The EPP Mid-Atlantic team largely works on Projects in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Leading preliminary desktop assessments of potential permitting requirements for proposed projects including deliverable coordination/development and/or review of critical issues analysis that is either completed in-house or by a subcontractor.
• Leading development of detailed permit matrices composed of applicable federal/state/local environmental regulations.
• Leading/originating development of initial and subsequent strategy for obtaining Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404/401 permitting and/or other federal, state, and local permits, including coordination with senior staff, clients, and reviewing agencies.
• Coordination and/or leading due diligence desktop and field-based site investigations in support of project planning and permitting.  Such efforts may include:
  • Aquatic resources delineation (streams/wetlands), GPS survey, with in-depth confirmation point details for subsequent preparation of reporting and application for USACE Approved Jurisdictional Determination, state Letter of Interpretation, or permitting.
  • T&E species habitat assessment, nesting surveys, specific species surveys, and reporting with sub-contractor / agency coordination.
  • Coordination and review of cultural resources investigations (Phase I/II) and reporting.
• Conducting detail and/or technical review of ecological assessment documents, and other associated industry reports.
• Prepare permit applications and manage review, submittal, and processing for permitting such as federal Section 401/404, Section 7 Endangered Species Act, NJDEP Waterfront Development Permits, NJ Coastal Area Facility Review Act Permits, NJ 401 Water Quality Certification (Including the Meadowlands), NJ Freshwater Wetlands and Flood Hazard Permits, NJ permits/authorizations for impacts in the Pinelands area, NJPDES Stormwater Construction Permits, Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan applications, and others.
• Lead and assist with task management according to approved scopes of work and delivering quality deliverables on schedule and within budget.
• Coordinating and leading conversations with clients (internal and external), and various governmental agencies (federal/state/local).
• Coordinating and managing subcontractors and vendors.
• Serving as a technical lead for environmental, biological, permitting and other impact assessments across the region.
• Assisting Senior Managers with business development activities, including proposals, pre-qualifications, and relationship building with clients and prospective clients.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Biology, or related field +6 years of experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Valid Driver’s License and as a condition of employment must be able to pass AECOM’s Motor Vehicle Records review.
• US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of completing NJ and federal permits in accordance with corresponding regulations.
• Project task management experience with oversight of staff / subcontractors and budget.
• Proficiency in permit application preparation experience in NJ and other mid-Atlantic states, supporting data collection and review, and preparation of scientific documents including wetland delineations, wetland mitigation, stream assessments, technical reports.
• Demonstrable technical writing, deliverable development, and review.
• Strong and proven experience with regional and specifically NJ environmental and ecological permits and agency coordination.
• Experience in performing ecological assessments for natural gas, electric utilities, and/or renewables industries.
• Technical writing experience specifically for siting studies, and/or FERC resource reports, and/or NEPA analysis preferred.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) background and/or knowledge.
• Driver’s license with trailer certification; boat transportation/operation/maintenance experience.
• Safety training (i.e., OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hours).
• High degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently with limited supervision, as well as in collaborative team environment.
• Ability to lead and manage field and permitting/ impact assessment teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including both oral and written (technical writing sample may be required).
• Excellent and relevant references.

• Relocation is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• The position has the potential to require fieldwork, and the candidate should be willing to travel (including overnight).

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.