Environmental Permitting Principal Project Manager – FERC/Pipelines

Jacobs; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 203,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock purchase plan

Unlimited PPTO

Seven paid holidays

Caregiver leave

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Principal Project Manager based in Houston, TX, or other US locations, to lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for FERC-regulated projects. The role involves directing multidisciplinary teams, managing complex life-cycle projects, and mentoring staff while expanding Jacobs' environmental planning business.

You will oversee Section 7(b)/7(c) filings, NEPA/ESA/CWA compliance, FEED studies, and client engagement, with a strong focus on safety and delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Biology, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience managing environmental permitting for FERC-regulated natural gas projects.
• Proven expertise in FERC Section 7(b) and 7(c) filings, NEPA documentation, and agency coordination.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, scopes, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental permitting for FERC-regulated natural gas projects, including Section 7(b) and 7(c) filings, NEPA documentation, and agency coordination.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects focusing on quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Develop and implement permitting strategies in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Lead permitting related to NEPA, ESA, and CWA; oversee FEED studies for pipeline infrastructure.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget and QA/QC processes; support NEPA documentation and compliance.
• Represent Jacobs in client meetings, public hearings, and regulatory consultations; drive business development.

Skills

Technical writing

FERC regulations

Project leadership

Communication

Regulatory compliance

PM tools / MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Planning/Biology

Graduate degree in Environmental Planning (preferred)

Tools

Project management software

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we’re focused on advancing our clients’ environmental stewardship, energy infrastructure modernization, and regulatory compliance. We are seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for FERC-regulated infrastructure projects, including Section 7(b) and 7(c) applications. The ideal candidate will be based in Houston, TX, but we are open to other U.S. locations for the right candidate.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects across the full lifecycle—from routing and siting through construction compliance. You’ll also play a key role in expanding Jacobs’ environmental planning business by identifying new opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and mentoring junior staff. Your leadership will help position Jacobs as a trusted advisor in the evolving energy and infrastructure sectors.

• Lead environmental permitting efforts for FERC-regulated natural gas projects, including preparation of Section 7(b) and 7(c) filings, prior notice/blanket authorizations, and third‑party EA/EIS documents.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with a focus on quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Develop and implement permitting strategies in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., USACE, USFWS, state wildlife agencies).
• Knowledge and ability to lead permitting related to NEPA, ESA, and CWA.
• Complete and lead FEED studies for pipeline infrastructure.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, and QA/QC processes.
• Support NEPA documentation and compliance for energy infrastructure projects.
• Represent Jacobs in client meetings, public hearings, and regulatory consultations.
• Drive business development efforts by identifying and securing new project opportunities.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level staff, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.
• Contribute to Jacobs’ thought leadership through white papers, conference presentations, and professional seminars.
• Promote a culture of safety, integrity, and innovation across all project activities.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical writing and environmental analysis skills, with demonstrated experience authoring environmental reports and permit applications.
• Deep understanding of FERC regulations under the Natural Gas Act and NEPA compliance processes.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex project portfolios.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills, capable of representing Jacobs in client and regulatory settings.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate client needs and respond to emerging challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, matrixed organization.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with regulatory changes and industry trends.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience managing environmental permitting for FERC-regulated natural gas projects.
• Proven expertise in FERC Section 7(b) and 7(c) filings, NEPA documentation, and agency coordination.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, scopes, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Graduate degree in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CEP).
• Experience with energy transition projects (e.g., hydrogen, CCUS, renewables).
• Experience working within the environmental sector of an EPC firm.
• Strong working relationships with regulatory agencies such as USACE, USFWS, and FERC.
• Understanding of FERC regulatory requirements for hydroelectric facilities.
• Strong relationships with global and non‑global up‑, mid‑, and downstream clients.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $203,000.00 to $275,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on October 05, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.