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Environmental Permitting Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

$92K - $122K/yr

The successful candidate will provide environmental permitting, natural resource assessments, regulatory coordination, and environmental compliance support for projects including electric ...

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Environmental Permitting information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$26

$44

How much do environmental permitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental permitting in Michigan is $26.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $29.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is environmental permitting?

Environmental permitting is the process of obtaining official approval from government agencies to carry out activities that could impact the environment, such as construction, manufacturing, or waste disposal. This process ensures that projects comply with environmental laws and regulations designed to protect air, water, land, and wildlife. Environmental permitting may involve submitting detailed plans, conducting impact assessments, and meeting specific standards before a permit is granted. The goal is to minimize negative environmental effects and ensure sustainable development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in environmental permitting?

To thrive in Environmental Permitting, you need a solid background in environmental science, regulatory compliance, and project management, usually supported by a relevant degree such as environmental engineering or environmental science. Familiarity with permitting software, GIS systems, and knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations are essential, and certifications like the Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and preparing clear documentation. These skills ensure that projects meet legal requirements, minimize environmental impact, and avoid costly delays or violations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in environmental permitting roles, and how can these be managed?

Professionals in Environmental Permitting often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, meeting tight project deadlines, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, clients, and community groups. Managing these challenges typically involves staying current with evolving environmental laws, maintaining strong organizational skills, and fostering clear communication among teams. Being proactive about regulatory changes and building collaborative relationships with regulators and project partners can significantly streamline the permitting process and reduce delays.

What is the difference between Environmental Permitting vs Environmental Compliance Officer?

AspectEnvironmental PermittingEnvironmental Compliance Officer
Required credentialsEnvironmental science, environmental engineering, or related certifications; permits knowledgeEnvironmental regulations, auditing, and reporting certifications
Work environmentRegulatory agencies, industrial sites, project planningCorporate offices, site inspections, compliance monitoring
Employer and industry usageGovernment agencies, consulting firms, industries needing permitsCorporations, industries, facilities ensuring ongoing compliance

Environmental Permitting focuses on obtaining and managing permits required for industrial activities, while Environmental Compliance Officers ensure ongoing adherence to environmental laws and regulations. Both roles require knowledge of environmental regulations but differ in their primary focus: permitting versus compliance monitoring.

How to get into environmental permitting?

To pursue a career in environmental permitting, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining relevant certifications, such as those in environmental compliance or regulatory affairs, can improve job prospects. Strong knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and permitting processes is essential for success in this field.

What does an environmental permitting specialist do?

An environmental permitting specialist is responsible for preparing and submitting applications to obtain permits required for projects that may impact the environment. They ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, often using environmental assessment tools and maintaining detailed documentation. Their work supports project approval while minimizing environmental risks.
Infographic showing various Environmental Permitting job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,389 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

EOE: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Permitting Specialist with strong experience in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance to support fiber-optic, make-ready, and utility distribution projects. This role focuses heavily on managing environmental reviews, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, endangered species considerations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and historic preservation documentation, all of which are critical requirements for broadband deployments. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience navigating multi-agency environmental processes while also coordinating Right-of-Way (ROW), traffic control, and utility permitting. Candidates should be proficient in preparing environmental submissions, working with federal and state agencies, and ensuring projects meet all environmental and construction authorization requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Manage environmental permitting and documentation, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluations, environmental screening, Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance, and historic preservation requirements applicable to broadband and utility projects.
  • Prepare environmental submissions for federal, state, and local agencies and coordinate with regulatory bodies to resolve issues and expedite approvals.
  • Identify environmental constraints along fiber routes and utility corridors and provide guidance to engineering teams to avoid or minimize impacts.
  • Support integration of environmental best practices and mitigation measures into construction documents and field execution.
  • Submit Right-of-Way (ROW) permit applications to municipalities, counties, and state Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies for project segments requiring land access or construction authorization.
  • Prepare pole attachment applications and coordinate make-ready requirements with utility pole owners, ensuring environmental constraints are addressed early in the process.
  • Develop and submit traffic control plans as required for permit approval, ensuring compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.
  • Acquire special permits-including railroad and waterway crossings-while ensuring environmental impacts are documented and mitigated.
  • Maintain permit logs, environmental records, compliance documentation, and provide regular updates to engineering teams and project managers.

Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • Experience with environmental permitting, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and cultural/historic preservation compliance for broadband or infrastructure projects.
  • Knowledge of environmental screening tools, mitigation planning, and environmental best practices used in federal broadband programs.
  • Understanding of municipal and state permitting processes, including Right-of-Way (ROW), utility coordination, and traffic control permitting.
  • Familiarity with pole attachment permitting, make-ready workflows, and environmental considerations affecting pole infrastructure.
  • Ability to interpret environmental reports, engineering drawings, route maps, and permitting requirements.
  • Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills with ability to coordinate across agencies and stakeholders.

Education and Experience:
  • Associate degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Utility Design, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in environmental permitting for telecom, utility, construction, or infrastructure projects.

Benefits:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Professional development and training opportunities

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our company does not accept unsolicited CVs or applications from agencies. We are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs or applications and explicitly reserve the right to contact candidates presented in such unsolicited CV or application.
All applicants who are offered employment with Thayer Power & Communication Line Construction Co., LLC (TPC), will be subject to a background investigation and drug test. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation and drug test conducted in accordance with TPC Policy and state law.
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, TPC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.