Technical Director, Environmental Planning

WSP; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm in St. Louis seeks a Technical Director, Environmental Planner to lead business development and NEPA assessments across the Midwest. This role requires over 12 years of experience in energy or nuclear projects, focusing on client relationships and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong NEPA expertise and proven success in proposal leadership. The position offers the flexibility to work remotely within the region, supporting nuclear and energy projects.

Qualifications

• 12+ years leading NEPA/ESIA efforts for energy or nuclear projects.
• Strong command of NEPA regulations and guidance.
• Experience supporting NRC Environmental Reports.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new opportunities in Midwest region.
• Manage NEPA and environmental assessment deliverables.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary teams on projects.

Skills

NEPA expertise

Client relationship management

Proposal leadership

Writing and presentation skills

Education

BS/BA in environmental/biological science, planning, engineering, or related discipline

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking a Technical Director, Environmental Planner to proactively identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities across our Midwest Region (KS, MO, NE, IA, SD, ND, MN, OK, AR) in the commercial, industrial, utility, energy, transmission, development, and/or transportation markets. Based in St. Louis, MO (Creve Coeur) or remote within the region, this role combines business development leadership with delivery of high-quality NEPA/impact assessment, nuclear licensing, and permitting work.

You will build and expand client relationships, lead outreach and account positioning strategies, and serve as a key proposal leader (capture planning, win themes, teaming, scope/approach, schedule, and budget). You will also direct and deliver complex NEPA environmental assessments, EISs, and related studies in coordination with interdisciplinary teams, managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality from pursuit through execution.

The ideal candidate has a strong record of winning and delivering impact assessment and permitting work, with deep NEPA expertise and experience supporting nuclear licensing and other energy projects. You will provide technical and administrative leadership on complex studies, mentor teams, and ensure regulatory compliance and on-time/on-budget delivery. Experience with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license applications/Environmental Reports (ER) and nuclear licensing reviews is highly desirable. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.

Your Impact

• Proactively identify, pursue, and secure new opportunities across KS, MO, NE, IA, SD, ND, MN, OK, and AR; build pipeline and drive capture plans
• Lead client outreach, relationship management, and positioning strategies with key accounts, partners, and agencies
• Own and/or support proposal development from start to finish (strategy, teaming, scope/technical approach, pricing, schedule, and reviews)
• Plan and direct defensible NEPA and ER deliverables for nuclear and other energy projects, including EAs, EISs, and supporting technical studies
• Provide quality oversight and regulatory compliance review for submittals to clients and agencies
• Lead interdisciplinary teams and manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk from kickoff through closeout
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on NEPA strategy and compliance with related requirements (e.g., ESA, NHPA, CWA)
• Mentor and develop staff; set expectations, provide technical direction, and ensure consistent delivery standards
• Make sound, independent decisions on technical approaches, documentation, and risk mitigation for complex assignments

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in environmental/biological science, planning, engineering, or related discipline
• 12+ years leading NEPA/ESIA efforts for energy or nuclear projects, including proposal leadership and client-facing delivery
• Strong command of NEPA and implementing regulations/guidance
• Experience supporting nuclear licensing reviews; NRC Environmental Reports (ER) experience preferred
• Excellent writing, facilitation, and presentation skills; able to translate complex topics for varied audiences
• Ability to synthesize diverse inputs into clear, defensible documents suitable for public review
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage projects to scope, schedule, and budget
• Demonstrated success developing winning proposals and growing client relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental planning/science, ecology, geography, or related field
• PMP and/or other relevant professional certificates
• Contract negotiation and management experience