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Environmental Permitting Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

EHS Project Lead

Bend, OR · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Lead environmental,healthand safety activities for major capital and growth projects. * Manage air permitting contractor and support onsite activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Lead environmental,healthand safety activities for major capital and growth projects. * Manage air permitting contractor and support onsite activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Manage environmental permitting, monitoring, and reporting activities * Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes * Develop and deliver EH&S training programs

H&S Contractor

Portland, OR · On-site

$40 - $41/hr

Manage environmental permitting, monitoring, and reporting activities * Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes * Develop and deliver EH&S training programs

This role supports environmental compliance, permitting compliance, and regulatory coordination throughout the lifecycle of utility infrastructure construction projects. Key Responsibilities • ...

Permit Specialist

Portland, OR · On-site

$31 - $33/hr

NEPA/environmental permitting experience is a plus. * High School Diploma or GED required. * Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. * Ability to travel up to 20%, if needed.

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Showing results 41-60

Environmental Permitting information

See Oregon salary details

$15

$32

$54

How much do environmental permitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,190 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Consulting Director, Power, Energy & Regulatory Advisory

ERM

Portland, OR

$145K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Are you ready to lead transformative environmental projects that power communities and drive sustainable innovation? ERM is seeking a visionary Consulting Director, Power, Energy & Regulatory Advisory to join our high-growth Capital Project Delivery team. This is more than a job-it's a leadership opportunity to influence the future of renewable energy and infrastructure development across California.

As part of ERM's continued expansion, you'll work alongside industry-leading experts, drive strategic client engagements, and deliver impactful solutions for some of the most complex and high-profile projects in the region.

Why This Role Matters

ERM's Capital Project Delivery (CPD) service is our fastest-growing global offering, expanding over 20% annually. With more than 1,000 professionals worldwide, our CPD team is known for tackling the toughest environmental challenges in power, technology, telecom, mining, and infrastructure sectors.

This role is pivotal in advancing ERM's reputation and capabilities in California's electric/gas transmission and renewable energy markets. You'll be at the forefront of environmental permitting, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder engagement-helping clients achieve project success while protecting natural and cultural resources.

What Your Impact Is

  • Lead environmental permitting and CEQA/NEPA efforts for major capital projects, including renewable energy, transmission, and data centers.

  • Shape regulatory strategies and negotiate with key agencies such as the California Coastal Commission, USFWS, and CPUC.

  • Drive business growth through strategic client relationships, leveraging existing contracts with California public utilities.

  • Mentor and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

  • Contribute to ERM's global leadership community, with potential eligibility for our Partner Path after your first year.

What You'll Bring

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or related field. Or equivalent experience.

  • 8+ years of consulting experience in California's electric/gas transmission and generation markets.

  • Proven success in leading CEQA/NEPA permitting and environmental impact assessments.

  • Established relationships with California utility companies with the ability to leverage existing contract agreements to unlock new project opportunities.

  • Experience with CPUC General Order 131-E and CEQA best practices.

  • Business acumen and strategic selling capabilities.

  • Leadership skills with a passion for mentoring and team development.

Preferred
  • Master's degree in biology, environmental science, or related field.

  • 15+ years of consulting experience.

  • Recognized technical expertise and positive reputation with key regulators.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as a senior technical expert for CEQA/NEPA assessments and natural resource permitting.

  • Oversee preparation of EIRs, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and technical studies.

  • Lead permit strategy development and application processes with state and federal agencies.

  • Manage compliance for linear infrastructure projects, including telecom and energy.

  • Collaborate with Account Directors to expand ERM's footprint and deliver enterprise-wide solutions.

  • Mentor staff consultants, identify emerging talent, and support career development.

  • Innovate within ERM's Impact Assessment and Planning services to stay ahead of market needs.

  • Ensure excellence in health & safety, financial performance, client satisfaction, and risk management.

Ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact? Join ERM and help shape a more sustainable future through power and renewables.

For the Consulting Director, Planner Regulatory Specialist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $145,482 - $183,509 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note:Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

Who We Are:

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!

#LI-RG

#LI-Hybrid


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About ERM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

City of London, Greater London, GB

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