Lead Environmental Planner – Transmission Siting and Permitting

Our Business

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. 
 
As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Environmental Planner – Transmission Siting and Permitting in New York State.  This position will be located in our New York City office, or our offices in Buffalo; Valhalla; and Albany.  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 Lead Environmental Planner will be on electric transmission line and substation routing and siting, along with renewable energy development projects in New York and adjacent states. The ideal candidate will have an established and successful history of experience in the State of New York and will be a collaborative and responsive professional with strong communication and organizational skills. 

Your Impact

• Managing multiple projects at various stages and locations
• Leading project teams for key clients
• Leading business development efforts - develop/maintain client relationships and lead proposal preparation
• 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
• Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences or Ecology, Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience.)
• 7-10 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.
• Proven Article VII Application and EM&CP experience, including management of Article VII and EM&CP filings
• Strong self-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 York State agency personnel and decision-makers, including the NYSDEC, NYSDOS
• Demonstrated work experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District
• Value added experience with NYCDEP and NYCDCP or other New York City agencies
• 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 testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to 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 Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences or Ecology, Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Environmen