Transmission Siting and Permitting Lead

WSP; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 111,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Transmission Siting and Permitting Lead to join the Providence, Rhode Island office, with potential for other New England locations. You will focus on electric transmission routing and siting, plus renewable energy projects in Rhode Island and nearby states.

The ideal candidate will have extensive Rhode Island experience, familiarity with the Rhode Island Energy Facility and Siting Board, and strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to manage complex projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Biology, Natural Sciences, Ecology or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of experience managing environmental permitting and planning projects for energy-related work.
• Ability to lead mid- to senior-level teams with QA/QC oversight.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with New England state agencies and decision-makers.
• Experience in proposals, presentations, and price structuring.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; manage client requirements.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving; derive solutions from data and field observations.
• Uphold safety policies and adapt to changing priorities; travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts: develop/maintain client relationships and lead proposal preparation.
• Manage multiple projects at various stages and locations.
• Lead project teams for key clients.
• Develop strategy for public involvement programs; attend open houses, public meetings, hearings.
• Serve as a siting and environmental permitting SME.
• Direct routing/siting studies, analyses, and reports.
• Collaborate with engineers, attorneys, planners, permitting and environmental specialists, and real estate experts.
• Mentor staff for growth and professional development.
• Ensure ethical conduct and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

QA/QC

Critical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

PMP/Professional certifications

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Transmission Siting and Permitting Lead in New England. This position will be located in our Providence, Rhode Island office, with other New England offices as a potential. Be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

The primary focus for this Transmission Siting and Permitting Project Leader will be on electric transmission line and substation routing and siting, along with renewable energy development projects in Rhode Island and adjacent states. The ideal candidate will have an established and successful history of experience in Rhode Island, experience with the Rhode Island Energy Facility and Siting Board and will be a collaborative and responsive professional with strong communication and organizational skills.

Your Impact

• Leading business development efforts - develop/maintain client relationships and lead proposal preparation
• Managing multiple projects at various stages and locations
• Leading project teams for key clients
• Developing strategy for public involvement programs; attend and participate in open houses, public meetings, and public hearings
• Serving as a siting and environmental permitting subject matter expert
• Managing and directing routing/siting studies, analyses, and associated reports
• Working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams which could include engineers, attorneys, planners, permitting and environmental specialists, and real estate experts
• Mentoring staff to support their growth and professional development
• Exercising responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures
• Performing additional responsibilities, as required by business needs

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Biology, Natural Sciences or Ecology, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience.)
• Ten (10) + years of experience managing environmental permitting and planning projects, for a variety of energy‑related projects
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to mid‑level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with New England State agency personnel and decision‑makers
• Experience in preparing proposals and presentations, and price structuring
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, defining and understanding client requirements, managing expectations, and communicating with clients and project staff
• Extensive critical thinking and problem‑solving skills required to reach conclusions from field observation, data collation, to identify the most effective solutions and accomplish objectives of assigned projects
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies
• Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project‑specific requirements
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Biology, Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences or Ecology, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or related degree
• Project Management Professional certification; other professional certifications as applicable to technical expertise
• Contract negotiations and management
• Experience preparing and providing expert witness testimony
  

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $111,200 - $155,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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