Environmental Permitting Specialist - Energy - VHB

ABOUT THE POSITION

Environmental Permitting Specialist – Energy | Albany, New York or Vermont office preferred

VHB is seeking an Environmental Permitting Specialist to join our Vermont/upstate New York operation’s Energy Services practice. VHB’s diverse and challenging professional portfolio includes projects for energy utilities, renewable energy development, ski resort, transportation infrastructure, municipalities, and real estate development. Successful candidates will have a solid technical background in permitting, siting and evaluating environmental impacts of electric transmission and generation projects in New York state.

VHB is consistently rated as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont, and in the northeastern U.S. and is one of the best places to live and work in the United States. This position would offer the flexibility of a remote in-region or hybrid/office work environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and support various federal and New York/Vermont land use, siting, and environmental permit applications
• Conduct technical reporting and regulatory product development, agency coordination, project planning and design reviews
• Coordinate with other technical staff (including ecology and water resource specialists, civil engineers, land planners, etc.), applicants, and regulatory program stakeholders
• Lead and assist with ecological data compilation and analysis, GIS support, and technical reporting
• Assist with regulatory and siting law tasks within an integrated team for a multitude of energy infrastructure projects with a focus on sustainability and resiliency
• Support the environmental permitting and licensing, and compliance phases of projects in the energy utility and renewable energy markets
• Attend meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to understand project objectives and discuss design/permitting issues
• Provide support for expert environmental witness testimony and supporting exhibits during project siting approval reviews

Skills and Attributes

• Understanding of land use regulations, various New York state regulatory programs and siting laws, and permit application development, and coordination
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and collaboratively in a team-focused group
• Excellent verbal, technical writing, organization, responsiveness, coordination, and interpersonal skills
• Advanced knowledge of preparing permit application materials and obtaining regulatory approvals
• Ability to communicate between team members, clients, and state/federal officials
• Self-motivated with eagerness for learning and professional growth
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and skilled in using ArcGIS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, ecology, wetland science, environmental policy, or a related field, Master's degree a plus
• 3-5 years of professional experience with environmental permit application development, focused on energy permitting and siting on NY projects, required
• Experience supporting New York Article VII and Part 102 applications, required
• Ability to travel and work within the Hudson and Mohawk River Valley regions of NY
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Albany, New York is $62,000 to $76,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

We are VHB! We’re an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment. 

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes: 

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace  

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We’re growing, and we hope you’ll join us! 

VHB is a proud Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion—supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. All individuals receive consideration for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination for race/ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, or any other basis protected by law.

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