Senior Natural Resources – Permitting Specialist

Mannik Smith Group; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Schedule Flexibility

Comprehensive health benefits

Access to learning materials

Generous paid time off

Clear paths for promotions

Fun team culture

Job summary

The Mannik Smith Group is seeking a Senior Natural Resources & Permitting Specialist in Hartford, CT. In this role, you will lead environmental permitting efforts focusing on Connecticut regulations, managing multiple projects, and mentoring junior staff.

Strong experience in environmental permitting and project management is essential. The position offers flexible hybrid work arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance with great benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in environmental permitting.
• Experience managing permit submissions under various environmental regulations.
• Professional certification such as PWS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage environmental permit applications.
• Coordinate with agencies and municipalities for approvals.
• Mentor early-career staff in environmental permitting.

Skills

Environmental permitting management

Project management skills

Strong coordination and communication

Knowledge of Connecticut regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS

Project management software

Job description

Senior Natural Resources & Permitting Specialist

Department: Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hartford, CT

Compensation: $100,000 - $125,000 / year

Description

Creativity. Innovation. A desire to effect positive change. That’s what it takes to work at Fuss & O’Neill – because that’s what we do for the communities in which we work: we create, innovate, and design long-lasting improvements that improve quality of life. Quality of life is also important on the job, so we’ve prioritized work‑life balance by offering flexible/remote work opportunities, part-time benefits, and generous PTO. We believe that each day is an opportunity to support one another, to support our clients, and to support our communities. If you feel the same, then you’ve found your future.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Natural Resources & Permitting Specialist to lead and manage environmental permitting efforts with a strong focus on Connecticut regulatory programs and approvals. This role is ideal for a senior-level environmental professional who brings deep permitting expertise, agency coordination experience, and strong project management skills across infrastructure, restoration, and redevelopment projects.

The selected candidate will serve as a key permitting lead supporting multidisciplinary teams and clients through complex federal, state, and municipal environmental review processes. While the primary regulatory focus is Connecticut, candidates may be based in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts, with hybrid flexibility and limited travel.

This is a high‑impact role supporting critical infrastructure, ecological restoration, and redevelopment projects while helping expand internal permitting capacity and mentoring junior staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage preparation and review of environmental permit applications, with emphasis on Connecticut environmental permitting
• Prepare and manage applications and reviews including:
  • USACE Sections 404 / 10 / 408
  • CZMA consistency review
  • CTDEEP tidal and inland wetlands permits
  • Certificates of Permission
  • Section 401 Water Quality Certifications
  • Floodplain and water diversion permits
  • Coastal and FEMA-related reviews
  • Municipal wetlands, zoning, stormwater, and erosion control permits
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, municipalities, and stakeholders to support timely approvals
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and permitting strategies across multiple concurrent projects
• Oversee and coordinate wetland delineations, natural resource evaluations, and field studies supporting permit submissions
• Advise internal teams and clients on permitting risk, strategy, and regulatory pathways
• Monitor regulatory updates and adjust permitting approaches accordingly
• Mentor and train early‑career staff in wetland delineation, environmental permitting, and project management practices
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and environmental teams on infrastructure and restoration projects

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related discipline
• 8+ years of experience in environmental permitting, including project management responsibility
• Demonstrated experience managing permit submissions under local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Strong working knowledge of Connecticut environmental regulatory frameworks
• Professional certification such as Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Professional Soil Scientist strongly preferred
• Experience with projects such as:
  • Ecological restoration
  • Infrastructure repair and replacement (bridges, culverts, dams)
  • Redevelopment projects
• Proven ability to manage multiple permitting efforts simultaneously
• Strong coordination and communication skills with agencies and multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; ArcGIS and project management software are a plus

This is a hybrid role, offering the best of both worlds—collaborate in‑office with a high‑performing team and enjoy the flexibility of working remotely part of the week. We're committed to supporting work‑life balance while maintaining strong team connection and project delivery.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• Schedule Flexibility: Customize your work schedule to fit your life.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits to keep you and your family healthy.
• Continuous Learning: Access to online courses, conferences, and learning materials to fuel your professional growth.
• Paid Time Off: Take the time you need to recharge with our generous paid time off policy.
• Career Advancement: Clear paths for promotions and the opportunity to take on new challenges.
• Fun team culture: Regular team‑building activities, happy hours, and company outings.

The range posted here represents the range of salaries associated with the specific experience listed. Actual individual compensation is commensurate with relevant experience, education and certifications.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

All offers are contingent upon a successful criminal background check. Fuss & O'Neill, Inc. is proud to be an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Fuss & O’Neill participates in the Federal e-Verify program.