Senior Permitting Lead, Data Centers – Midwest

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.; Minnetonka (MN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. seeks a Permitting Lead – Data Centers and Land Division to drive permitting efforts across data center, residential, commercial, and industrial projects in the Midwest.

You will serve as the primary client and agency liaison, guiding regulatory strategy and leading multidisciplinary teams. Reporting to the National Director, Permitting, you will mentor staff, manage proposals and budgets, and advance business development with data center clients while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, policy/permitting, earth sciences, engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of land development permitting, including data centers.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state regulatory structure and processes, EA/EIS.
• Ability to represent services with external stakeholders.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with budgeting, invoicing, and cost tracking.

Responsibilities

• Lead permitting and environmental tasks for data centers and related projects.
• Coordinate land development permitting projects across multiple sectors in the Midwest.
• Prepare and manage federal, state, and local permit applications and approvals.
• Direct NEPA and state environmental reviews and oversee investigations.
• Serve as primary liaison with clients and agencies, presenting at hearings and meetings.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, balancing quality, schedule, and budget.
• Drive business development with land developer clients and prepare proposals.
• Monitor market trends and evolving permitting requirements.
• Mentor permitting staff on technical writing and client engagement.

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resources, policy/permitting, earth sciences, engineering, or a related field

Master's degree preferred

Regulatory expertise

NEPA knowledge

Client liaison

Team leadership

Permitting experience

Environmental studies

Job description

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. seeks a Permitting Lead – Data Centers and Land Division to drive permitting efforts across data center, residential, commercial, and industrial projects in the Midwest.

You will serve as the primary client and agency liaison, guiding regulatory strategy and leading multidisciplinary teams. Reporting to the National Director, Permitting, you will mentor staff, manage proposals and budgets, and advance business development with data center clients while