Senior Environmental Permitting Lead for Energy Infra

Jacobs; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 203,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & welfare benefits

401(k) plan

Stock purchase plan

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Seven holidays

Caregiver leave

Job summary

Jacobs in Houston, TX is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for FERC-regulated infrastructure projects, including Section 7(b) and 7(c) filings. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage scope, schedule, and budget, and develop opportunities while mentoring junior staff. The role offers hybrid work with flexibility across U.S.

locations. Ideal candidates have 15+ years of experience in environmental permitting, strong FERC, NEPA,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience managing environmental permitting for FERC-regulated natural gas projects.
• Proven expertise in FERC Section 7(b) and 7(c) filings, NEPA documentation, and agency coordination.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, scopes, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental permitting efforts for FERC-regulated natural gas projects, including preparation of Section 7(b) and 7(c) filings, prior notice/blanket authorizations, and third-party EA/EIS documents.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with a focus on quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Develop and implement permitting strategies in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., USACE, USFWS, state wildlife agencies).
• Knowledge and ability to lead permitting related to NEPA, ESA, and CWA.
• Complete and lead FEED studies for pipeline infrastructure.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, and QA/QC processes.
• Support NEPA documentation and compliance for energy infrastructure projects.
• Represent Jacobs in client meetings, public hearings, and regulatory consultations.
• Drive business development efforts by identifying and securing new project opportunities.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Contribute to Jacobs’ thought leadership through white papers, conference presentations, and professional seminars.
• Promote a culture of safety, integrity, and innovation across all project activities.

Skills

Technical writing

Environmental analysis

FERC regulations

Team leadership

Verbal & written communication

Strategic thinking

Project management

Regulatory coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Planning/Biology

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management tools

Job description

Jacobs in Houston, TX is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for FERC-regulated infrastructure projects, including Section 7(b) and 7(c) filings. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage scope, schedule, and budget, and develop opportunities while mentoring junior staff. The role offers hybrid work with flexibility across U.S.

locations. Ideal candidates have 15+ years of experience in environmental permitting, strong FERC, NEPA,