Environmental Permitting Lead

Artera; Town of Henrietta (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K with match

Paid time off

Job summary

The DDS Companies is seeking an Environmental Permitting Lead in West Henrietta, NY to drive complex permitting strategies for utility, infrastructure, renewable energy, and land development projects. You will partner with clients, agencies, and internal teams to transform requirements into actionable plans.

Ideal candidates bring a degree in environmental fields, 3+ years of consulting/PM experience, and strong knowledge of major environmental laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field is required.
• 3+ years in environmental consulting and project management.
• Experience navigating federal, state, and local permitting processes.
• Familiarity with major environmental regulations (CWA, NEPA, SHPO/NHPA).
• Experience preparing permit applications and supporting reviews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead permitting strategy from planning through approval for complex projects.
• Coordinate with clients, agencies, contractors, and internal teams.
• Anticipate permitting risks and keep projects on schedule and within scope.
• Mentor junior staff and promote safety and continuous improvement.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

3+ years environmental consulting & PM experience

Experience navigating federal, state, local permitting

Knowledge of Clean Water Act, NEPA, SHPO/NHPA

Experience preparing permit applications & reviews

Strong communication & problem solving

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Location West Henrietta, NY The DDS Companies is looking for an Environmental Permitting Lead ready to lead meaningful, high-impact work across utility, infrastructure, renewable energy, and land development projects. In this role, you'll be the person who helps turn complex environmental requirements into clear, actionable permitting strategies-partnering with clients, agencies, and internal teams to move important projects forward with confidence.

Pay Range

Pay Range: The pay range for this position is $65,000-$100,000 annually. This range represents the expected annual compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual pay will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Plans401K with matchPaid Time Off (PTO)Sick PayLife and AD&D coverageShort and Long-Term DisabilityHSA and FSA AccountsComprehensive Training Programs

What You’ll Do

In this role, you'll lead permitting efforts from strategy through approval-helping clients move complex infrastructure, utility, renewable energy, and development projects forward while balancing regulatory requirements, project goals, and environmental stewardship.

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead permitting strategy, project planning, schedules, budgets, staffing, and deliverables
• Coordinate with clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, subconsultants, and internal technical teams
• Anticipate permitting risks, solve problems early, and keep projects moving toward approval
• Track performance, manage documentation, and support clear reporting throughout the project lifecycle

Client & Agency Relations

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for clients and agencies
• Build strong relationships through responsive communication and sound technical judgment
• Represent DDS in agency meetings, stakeholder discussions, and technical reviews
• Translate complex permitting requirements into practical, project-ready solutions

Leadership & Team Development

• Guide project managers and technical staff with clarity, accountability, and sound decision-making
• Mentor junior team members and support their professional growth
• Promote collaboration, safety, continuous improvement, and strong project execution
• Connect permitting requirements with engineering, survey, construction, and planning workflows

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Community Planning, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
• At least 3 years of environmental consulting and project management experience
• Experience navigating federal, state, and local environmental permitting processes
• Working knowledge of key environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, and floodplain management requirements
• Experience preparing permit applications and supporting environmental review processes
• Ability to interpret engineering, construction, and design plans
• Strong communication, organization, technical judgment, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS or environmental screening tools

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of environmental consulting and project management experience
• Utility infrastructure experience, especially natural gas distribution and transmission
• Experience with New York environmental permitting programs, including NYSDEC Article 24, Article 15, 401 Water Quality Certification, SEQRA, and rare, threatened, and endangered species review
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting experience, including Section 404, Section 10, and Nationwide Permits
• Coordination experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and New York Natural Heritage Program
• Familiarity with New York Public Service Law Articles 7, 8, and 10
• Wetland and stream delineation experience and ArcGIS proficiency

Skills That Set You Apart

• You think strategically and bring strong environmental and regulatory expertise
• You manage competing priorities without losing sight of quality, deadlines, or client expectations
• You build trust with clients, agencies, and project teams
• You communicate clearly and turn complex regulations into actionable next steps
• You lead collaboratively, motivate others, and drive results

Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based, with opportunities to get close to the work through field reviews, project site visits, environmental assessments, and stakeholder meetings. You may occasionally: Visit utility corridors, construction sites, wetlands, streams, and development areas Participate in agency, municipal, and client meetings Travel locally or regionally as project needs require You'll have the flexibility to manage multiple priorities while responding to evolving client, regulatory, and permitting timelines.

Ready to lead meaningful permitting work and help move important projects forward?

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The DDS Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.