1

Environmental Permitting Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

OR · On-site

Senior Environmental Permitting Specialist Position Summary The Senior Environmental Permitting Specialist is responsible for supporting the business development staff in environmental and permitting ...

Environmental planning and permitting; NEPA/environmental documentation and agency coordination; environmental compliance and EHS support; site assessment and due diligence; contaminated site ...

Environmental Scientist

Portland, OR · On-site

$79K - $104K/yr

Experience with federal, state, and local environmental permitting regulations and processes. * Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with regulatory agency staff, co-workers ...

Environmental Scientist

Portland, OR

$79K - $104K/yr

Experience with federal, state, and local environmental permitting regulations and processes. * Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with regulatory agency staff, co-workers ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Environmental Permitting information

See Oregon salary details

$15

$32

$54

How much do environmental permitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental permitting in Oregon is $32.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $36.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in the environmental field?

In the environmental permitting field, senior roles such as Environmental Directors or Environmental Managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and strong knowledge of regulations and compliance processes.

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.

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 from environmental agencies, can improve job prospects. Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and permit processes is essential for success in this field.

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.

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.

How much does an environmental planner earn?

Environmental planners typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in high-demand areas can earn over $100,000 annually.

What are the top 12 careers for environmental majors?

Environmental majors can pursue careers such as environmental analyst, environmental engineer, sustainability coordinator, conservation scientist, environmental consultant, regulatory compliance specialist, renewable energy project manager, water resource specialist, environmental policy analyst, environmental health and safety manager, GIS analyst, and climate change analyst. These roles often require knowledge of environmental regulations, data analysis, and environmental impact assessments, with many positions requiring relevant certifications or advanced degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Environmental Permitting, and why are they important?

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 cities in Oregon are hiring for Environmental Permitting jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Environmental Permitting job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Permitting job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,190 per year, or $32.3 per hour.
Senior Environmental Permitting Specialist

Senior Environmental Permitting Specialist

Ormat

OR • On-site

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Senior Environmental Permitting Specialist

Position Summary

The Senior Environmental Permitting Specialist is responsible for supporting the business development staff in environmental and permitting related tasks to support the exploration, development, and construction of Ormat's renewable energy and energy storage projects.

Essential Functions

  • Review projects to be developed to determine environmental issues, permit requirements, and government required environmental reviews needed for permits.
  • Develop and implement permitting strategies for assigned development projects and synchronize work plan with other involved Ormat teams.
  • Prepare and submit necessary permit applications; contract, and manage consultants to achieve all regulatory, discretionary, and environmental requirements and approvals needed to achieve permit acquisition
  • Lead environmental compliance filing for projects under development and/or operation.
  • Develop project descriptions, tasks, reports, studies, and other documents.
  • Frequent monitoring and reporting on all projects and prospects under development.
  • Prepare milestone schedules and be involved in budget requirements to complete permitting on assigned projects
  • Participate in meetings with City, County, State, Federal, and/or other regulatory agencies to define requirements and achieve acceptable permit conditions consistent with project and Company goals, schedules, costs, and environmental protection.
  • Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, partners, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders
  • Conduct environmental and permitting due diligence on potential sites and acquisition opportunities for renewable energy and energy storage projects
  • Willingness to travel nationally up to 10% of time, with the ability to travel for long distances by car and air
  • Must be able to operate a vehicle in a safe manner

Other Responsibilities

  • Other duties and projects as assigned by management

Education, Experience, and Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Business Administration or the equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum of 5 years' experience in project permitting and environmental review
  • Demonstrated problem solving, negotiating and excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Experience and knowledge of environmental permitting regulations, including NEPA and CEQA
  • Ability to manage internal and consultant teams to meet deliverables
  • The ability to write and review/edit technical and commercial documents
  • Proactive and responsible; able to set own action plans and manage multiple responsibilities at once
  • Must have excellent organizational and planning skills
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English at a level which will permit the employee to accurately understand and communicate information to perform job duties safely and efficiently
  • Must be able to use and acquire knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation. Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and use of the Internet
  • Proficiency in MS Project or Smartsheet and ArcGIS is strongly desired
  • Must possess at any time a valid driver's license with a driving record acceptable to Ormat's auto insurance carrier

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to work in an office environment and remotely
  • This position requires sitting 80% of the time and standing and walking 20% of the time