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Environmental Permitting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

plymouth

Senior Environmental Manager

Warrenville, IL · On-site

This role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and European environmental regulations, manages environmental permitting and reporting, and partners with plant leadership to ...

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Environmental Permitting information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$31

$52

How much do environmental permitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental permitting in Chicago, IL is $31.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $35.43 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 are popular job titles related to Environmental Permitting jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Environmental Permitting jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Permitting jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Permitting jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Environmental Permitting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Permitting job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,516 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Permitting Project Manager - Environmental Services (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell

Downers Grove, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

Burns & McDonnell's operation in the Great Lakes Region is seeking an Environmental Project Manager to manage projects and oversee environmental permitting within our Chicago Office.

This position will require a thorough knowledge of the federal, state, and local permitting requirements associated with the development and construction of new projects throughout the U.S. in market sectors such as oil and gas, electric, and renewables. The position will report to the Chicago Natural and Cultural Resources Department Manager.

  • Project management responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Execution of and project management for multiple environmental projects which include multi-faceted components.

  • Participate in business development activities including the development of proposals and cost estimates for new projects, development of and participation in client-facing presentations, and manage existing relationships with existing clients while contributing to the expansion of our growing Chicago business.

  • Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to less experienced staff members.

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Leading project teams on a variety of tasks, including completion of field surveys, environmental permitting with federal, state and local agencies, review of necessary project reports and materials.

  • Daily interfacing with various agencies to obtain approvals, submit permit applications and prepare responses in a timely manner.

  • Daily interfacing with clients to develop relationships, build business, and expand services to new clients.

  • Manage work within budget and schedule expectations for each project.

  • Applying technical and creative solutions to natural resources permitting.

  • Advising clients of appropriate strategies to obtain permits and maintain compliance with regulations and permit conditions.

  • Providing guidance on regulations and permitting through USACE, USEPA, and various state and local regulations pertaining to the environmental permitting of new projects.

  • Publication of technical papers and delivering presentations at conferences.

  • Travel may be required as necessary and required by project or client commitments.

  • All other duties as assigned.

  • B.S. or M.S. in environmental science, environmental planning, or environmental/civil engineering preferred with at least 7 years of applicable experience successfully executing and managing various environmental permitting projects in the upper Midwest.

  • Experience in multiple market sectors is a plus with an emphasis on electric utility, renewable, and oil & gas facility markets. The applicant should possess experience in leading negotiations with regulators pertaining to environmental permitting requirements.

  • The preferred applicant will also possess knowledge of regulations and permitting requirements for wetlands, threatened and endangered species, stormwater and erosion & sediment control, cultural resources and architectural history, and the National Environmental Policy Act. Technical expertise in one or more of these fields required.

  • Successful candidate must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to collaborate with a team.

  • The candidate must have experience with managing staff and/or have had direct reports and be responsible for career path development, mentoring and growth.

  • The candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to manage in a dynamic team environment, work under pressure to meet deadlines, and work effectively and professionally with various audiences (i.e., regulators, public officials, clients, etc.).

  • Experience with environmental permitting in other states throughout the Midwest is also desired.

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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