Senior Environmental Permitting Lead

Jacobs; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 105,800 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Unlimited paid time off

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Environmental Permitting Lead in Hartford, Connecticut. This role involves leading environmental permitting and regulatory strategies for various infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in environmental permitting, strong team leadership skills, and expertise in federal and state frameworks. Excellent communication skills are essential. Full-time employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including medical and 401(k) plans.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in environmental permitting.
• Experience with federal and state permitting frameworks.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for projects.
• Mentor junior staff and oversee work products.
• Engage with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.

Skills

Technical writing

Team leadership

Regulatory strategy

Project management

Environmental permitting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field

Master’s degree in environmental engagement or related discipline

Job description

Senior Environmental Permitting Lead

At Jacobs, we are 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.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Project Delivery:
  • Lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for transportation, infrastructure, energy, and development projects across New England.
  • Serve as senior technical lead and subject matter expert on NEPA, state environmental policy acts, EIS/EAs, Clean Water Act Section 10/401/404/408, Coastal Zone Management, endangered species, marine and terrestrial resource assessments, and state‑level permit frameworks (MA, RI, CT, etc.).
  • Oversee preparation and quality control of environmental documents, technical analyses, permit applications, routing studies, impact assessments, and compliance materials.
  • Provide high‑level review, technical editing, and strategic guidance across interdisciplinary teams.
• Project & Team Leadership:
  • Provide limited project management support, including contributing to scopes, schedules, budgets, and coordination of task leads.
  • Mentor junior and mid‑level staff by offering technical direction, career development feedback, and oversight of work products.
  • Support client communication and agency engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
• Regulatory Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Lead or support interactions with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, including USACE, DOT, transit authorities, NMFS, EPA, state siting boards, coastal agencies, and environmental regulators.
  • Represent the company in stakeholder meetings, technical workshops, settlement discussions, public meetings, and interagency coordination.
• Business Development & Competitive Pursuits:
  • Prepare proposals, develop scope and fee strategies, and support competitive bid processes and interviews for new work.
  • Support practice growth by identifying opportunities, informing pursuit strategies, and contributing to marketing materials.
  • Collaborate across departments (environmental, engineering, planning, resilience, and energy) to create integrated project approaches.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, biology, ecology, natural resources, or a related field.
• 15+ years of professional experience in environmental permitting and compliance, with significant experience leading large, multidisciplinary infrastructure or energy projects.
• Demonstrated expertise with federal and state permitting frameworks (NEPA, MEPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, CZMA, EFH, etc.).
• Experience engaging with agencies such as USACE, NMFS, EPA, and state environmental departments.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Proven experience mentoring staff and leading technical teams; operating as a senior technical leader in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks with shifting priorities.
• Occasional travel for client meetings, public meetings, and site visits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental engagement, environmental science, natural resources, or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience with transportation, electrical transmission, renewable energy permitting, and/or siting.
• Experience with settlement negotiations, regulatory strategy development, or interagency environmental planning.
• Experience contributing to or leading major proposal efforts.

Benefits

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 offers an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. Certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

Salary

Base salary range: $105,800.00 to $175,000.00. Pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.