Environmental Permitting Project Lead – Gulf Coast

WSP USA; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Environmental Permitting Project Manager to support the Gulf Coast region, focusing on permitting strategy, environmental compliance, and regulatory coordination for energy, oil & gas, utilities, transportation, and infrastructure projects.

The role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with agencies, and mentoring junior staff while delivering projects on time and within budget in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Planning, Ecology, Geography, or related field.
• 7+ years in natural resources, environmental permitting, environmental consulting, or related field.
• Experience supporting projects in Texas, Louisiana and/or Oklahoma.
• Strong understanding of environmental permitting processes and regulatory frameworks, including NEPA, Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401, Endangered Species Act, and related state regulations.
• Experience coordinating with agencies such as USACE, USFWS, NOAA, EPA, and state natural resource agencies.
• Knowledge of wetland permitting, habitat assessments, ecological surveys, mitigation planning, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including scope development, budget management, and client communication.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills with experience preparing reports, permit applications, and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary consulting environment.
• Proven commitment to workplace safety and quality project delivery.
• Ability to travel 15-20% including occasional overnight travel for client meetings, agency coordination, and project initiation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage environmental permitting and natural resource projects across TX, LA, OK.
• Develop permitting strategies and regulatory pathways for infrastructure, energy, utility, transportation, and industrial projects.
• Prepare and review permit applications, technical reports, environmental assessments, and supporting documentation.
• Plan staffing and manage multidisciplinary teams, teaming partners, and subcontractors.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to facilitate approvals.
• Provide technical oversight for wetlands delineations, habitat assessments, and species evaluations.
• Offer environmental compliance guidance throughout project development.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and proposals.
• Manage multiple projects ensuring on-time, on-budget, high-quality deliverables.
• Analyze environmental data and provide QA/QC.
• Collaborate on reviews, mitigation plans, and resource management strategies.
• Mentor junior environmental staff.
• Support business development and client relationship building.
• Promote safety culture and compliance with WSP policies.
• Exercise ethical decision-making per WSP policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed.
• Manage project financial performance including forecasting, invoicing, changes, and risk actions.

Skills

Environmental Permitting

Project Management

Regulatory Coordination

Technical Writing

Team Leadership

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

WSP USA is seeking an Environmental Permitting Project Manager to support the Gulf Coast region, focusing on permitting strategy, environmental compliance, and regulatory coordination for energy, oil & gas, utilities, transportation, and infrastructure projects.

The role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with agencies, and mentoring junior staff while delivering projects on time and within budget in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.