Senior Project Manager - Environmental Permitting (Phoenix)

Burns & McDonnell; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is looking for a Senior Environmental Project Manager in Phoenix, Arizona to manage environmental projects and oversee permitting and due diligence. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental compliance for energy projects, experience with Arizona Certificate of Environmental Compatibility applications, and project management expertise.

This position will also involve leading project teams, maintaining client relationships, and supporting business development initiatives in the Southwest region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in environmental permitting projects.
• Experience with Arizona CEC applications and regulations.
• Proven ability to manage complex permitting schedules.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental projects including permitting and compliance efforts.
• Lead project teams and interface with government agencies.
• Support business development activities and client presentations.

Skills

Environmental permitting

Project management

Public outreach

Regulatory negotiations

Team leadership

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Environmental Science or related field

Job description

Description

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a senior-level Environmental Project Manager to manage projects and oversee environmental permitting, natural resource studies, and due diligence within our Phoenix Office.

This position will require a thorough knowledge leading environmental permitting and compliance efforts for electric utility, transmission, generation, and renewable energy projects, with a strong preference for candidates experienced in Arizona Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) applications and hearings before the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).

Project management responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Execution of and project management for multiple environmental projects which include multi‑faceted components.

The ideal candidate will have a depth of project management experience, deep familiarity with CEC preparation, amendments, expert witness testimony, public outreach, and integration of NEPA and state‑level permitting for complex infrastructure projects.

Participate in business development activities including the development of proposals and cost estimates for new projects, development of and participation in client‑facing presentations, and manage existing relationships with existing clients while contributing to the expansion of our growing Arizona business.

Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to less experienced staff members.

Additional Responsibilities May Include

• Lead project teams on a variety of tasks, including completion of field surveys, environmental permitting with federal, state, and local agencies, review of necessary project reports and materials.
• Interface daily with various agencies to obtain approvals, submit permit applications, and prepare responses in a timely manner.
• Daily interfacing with clients to develop relationships, build business, and expand services to new clients.
• Manage work within budget and schedule expectations for each project.
• Apply technical and creative solutions to environmental permitting and due diligence.
• Advise clients of appropriate strategies to obtain permits and maintain compliance with regulations and permit conditions.
• Coordinate with federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, including ACC, BLM, USACE, USFWS, SHPO, and county planning departments.
• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior and mid‑level environmental staff.
• Support business development, including proposal development, client presentations, and strategic growth of energy‑sector services in Arizona and the Southwest.
• Publish technical papers and deliver presentations at conferences.
• Travel may be required as necessary and required by project or client commitments.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Planning, or related field from an accredited program.
• Minimum 15 years (20 years preferred) of applicable experience successfully executing and managing various environmental permitting projects.
• Experience in multiple market sectors is a plus with an emphasis on electric utility, renewable, and oil & gas facility markets. The applicant should possess experience in leading negotiations with regulators pertaining to environmental permitting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and managing Arizona Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) applications and/or amendments.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • NEPA
  • Clean Water Act (Sections 404 & 401)
  • Endangered Species Act
  • National Historic Preservation Act
  • State and local land use and zoning approvals
• Proven ability to manage multi‑disciplinary technical teams and complex permitting schedules.
• Experience interfacing directly with regulators, utilities, attorneys, and the public.
• The successful candidate must be self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and able to collaborate with a team.
• The candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to manage in a dynamic team environment, work under pressure to meet deadlines, and work effectively and professionally with various audiences (i.e., regulators, public officials, clients, etc.).

EEO/Disabled/Veterans