Environmental Planning & Permitting Lead — Hybrid, Flexible

CME Associates; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Excellent compensation package

Flexible work schedule

401(k) Plan and Match

Health, vision and dental insurance

Company-furnished life insurance

Short and Long-term Disability

Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Spending Account

Job summary

CME Associates in Tennessee seeks an Environmental Planning and Permitting Division Lead to guide NEPA compliance, permit strategy, and client relations across projects.

You will mentor staff, manage scopes, schedules, and budgets, and collaborate with state and federal agencies to ensure regulatory adherence while delivering high-quality environmental solutions. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Civil Engineering, Biology, Archaeology, Geology, Natural or Environmental Sciences or related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in NEPA and/or permitting.
• Ability to review environmental documents for regulatory completeness.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NEPA and environmental permitting processes.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and ability to apply them to projects.
• Experience working with state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, Adobe products and GIS.
• Experience in Leadership, Business Development, Client Management, Project Management and Production.
• Proven history of meeting project deadlines and budgets.
• Ability to guide junior staff and participate in environmental planning and permitting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the business development, operations and production effort for Environmental Planning and Permitting market.
• Fee proposals, Scope of Work, Budgeting, Invoicing, Financial Forecasting.
• Aid in the development of NEPA documents and/or permit applications.
• Assist staff in environmental planning and permitting.
• Collaborate with other disciplines and clients to complete projects.
• Ensure projects comply with applicable local, state and federal guidelines and codes.
• Hire and guide junior staff by providing direction and constructive feedback.
• Act as point of contact for Environmental Planning & Permitting.
• Development of project work plan and scope of work, manage projects and client relationships.
• Administer quality assurance for project deliverables.
• Maintain effective communications with clients and project teams.
• Ensure staff resources are deployed in a productive and profitable manner.
• Conduct regular meetings to balance project needs with staff availability.

Skills

NEPA expertise

Leadership

Business development

Client management

Project management

Regulatory interpretation

MS Office

Adobe

GIS

Budgeting

Staff mentoring

Education

BS/MS in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

GIS software

Adobe Creative Cloud

MS Office Suite

Job description

CME Associates in Tennessee seeks an Environmental Planning and Permitting Division Lead to guide NEPA compliance, permit strategy, and client relations across projects.

You will mentor staff, manage scopes, schedules, and budgets, and collaborate with state and federal agencies to ensure regulatory adherence while delivering high-quality environmental solutions. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement and a competitive benefits package.