Lead Transmission Siting and Permitting Project Manager

WSP; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking a Lead Transmission Siting and Permitting Project Manager to support a growing portfolio of electric transmission, substation, and renewable energy projects across our Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland offices. This role blends hands-on technical work with project leadership, mentorship, and business development activities.

The successful candidate will manage and direct routing, siting studies, and environmental permitting while guiding multidisciplinary teams and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental fields (or equivalent).
• 10+ years in environmental permitting and planning.
• Ability to lead project teams independently.
• Strong leadership and client-facing communication.
• Experience preparing proposals and project pricing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to safety and WSP policies.
• Occasional travel required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as PM or Task Leader on transmission and renewable projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams across offices.
• Provide direction and oversight for high-quality deliverables.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff.
• Support client relationships, proposals, and pricing.
• Ensure quality, budgets, schedules, and policies compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Client interaction

Proposal development

Pricing structures

Written communication

Verbal communication

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental fields

Master's degree

PM Certification (preferred)

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking a Lead Transmission Siting and Permitting Project Manager for any of our Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland offices to support a growing portfolio of electric transmission, substation, and renewable energy development projects within our Earth & Environment Team.

This role is ideal for an experienced professional who wants to remain technically engaged while also leading projects and guiding teams through complex, regulatory‑driven work. The position combines hands‑on responsibility for routing, siting, and environmental permitting with project management, multidisciplinary coordination, and mentorship.

The successful candidate will play a key role in:

• Managing and delivering technically complex siting and permitting projects for energy infrastructure
• Serving as a Project Manager or Task Leader on transmission and renewable energy assignments
• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams
• Supporting client relationships, proposal efforts, and business development activities
• Providing leadership and mentorship to junior and mid‑level staff
• Contributing to the continued growth and strength of WSP’s transmission siting and permitting practice

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who is ready to step into or expand a leadership role while staying closely connected to technical work, client interaction, and thoughtful collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Serve as a siting and environmental permitting subject matter expert for electric transmission, substations, and renewable energy projects
• Manage and direct routing and siting studies, analyses, and associated technical reports
• Provide technical oversight for environmental permitting and planning activities across multiple project phases
• Develop strategies for public involvement programs, including participation in open houses, public meetings, and public hearings
• Apply critical thinking and professional judgment to evaluate field observations, technical data, and regulatory requirements to develop defensible solutions
• Maintain familiarity with applicable state and regional regulatory frameworks, including coordination with state agency personnel and decision‑makers

Project Management & Team Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Manager or Task Leader, managing multiple projects at different stages, sizes, and locations
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, which may include engineers, planners, environmental scientists, permitting specialists, attorneys, and real estate professionals
• Provide clear direction, oversight, and support to team members to ensure high‑quality, timely deliverables
• Mentor junior and mid‑level staff, supporting their professional development and growth through coaching, review, and knowledge sharing
• Support business development efforts, including maintaining client relationships, contributing to proposal strategies, and leading proposal preparation and pricing
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, project budgets, schedules, and WSP policies and procedures
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making related to company resources, conduct, and client commitments, in alignment with WSP’s Code of Conduct

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, biology, natural sciences or ecology, environmental planning, environmental science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of experience managing environmental permitting and planning projects for energy‑related infrastructure
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while providing leadership and guidance to project teams
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with clients, agencies, and colleagues at all levels
• Experience preparing proposals, presentations, and project pricing structures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including defining and managing client requirements and expectations
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and reach sound technical conclusions
• Proven commitment to workplace safety and compliance with WSP’s health, safety, and conduct policies
• Flexibility to meet changing business needs and willingness to travel occasionally based on project requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental or natural sciences, environmental planning, or a related discipline
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or other relevant professional certifications
• Experience with contract negotiations and contract management
• Experience preparing or supporting expert witness testimony

WSP Benefits

• WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
• These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

• Expected Salary range for this role (all locations): $140,000- $200,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.