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Environmental Permitting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This Opportunity Serve as a key member of WSP's Regional Environmental Planning and Permitting Program, with a focus on project delivery, client communications, and project staff management. Role ...

$79K - $101K/yr

Lead environmental permitting strategies for major energy projects regulated by FERC and state siting agencies. * Shape project outcomes by managing complex, multi-site initiatives on time and within ...

$79K - $101K/yr

Lead environmental permitting strategies for major energy projects regulated by FERC and state siting agencies. * Shape project outcomes by managing complex, multi-site initiatives on time and within ...

Lead environmental permitting strategies for major energy projects regulated by FERC and state siting agencies. * Shape project outcomes by managing complex, multi-site initiatives on time and within ...

Lead environmental permitting strategies for major energy projects regulated by FERC and state siting agencies. * Shape project outcomes by managing complex, multi-site initiatives on time and within ...

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Environmental Permitting information

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How much do environmental permitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental permitting in the United States is $30.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $34.38 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.
More about Environmental Permitting jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Permitting jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Permitting job openings:
What states have the most Environmental Permitting jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Permitting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Permitting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Permitting jobs are:
Infographic showing various Environmental Permitting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,549 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Lead Environmental Permitting Specialist

Lead Environmental Permitting Specialist

WSP

Merrimack, NH • On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description


This Opportunity
Serve as a key member of WSP's Regional Environmental Planning and Permitting Program, with a focus on project delivery, client communications, and project staff management. Role entails management and preparation of documentation compliant with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for a variety of project scopes and clients. Specific tasks would include preparing and adhering to scopes, schedules, budgets, completing or overseeing all components of environmental documentation, and managing and mentoring early-career level staff. Proven experience with Federal agencies is a requirement; experience with the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security (notably Federal Emergency Management Agency) is preferred.
Your Impact
  • Ability to successfully manage all aspects of medium-to-large sized projects, encompassing development of proposals, including development of scope of work/technical approach, budget, and schedule.
  • Ability to liaison with client, agencies, and consultant team members.
  • Mentorship of early career professionals.
  • The ability to work effectively and independently in a NEPA project manager role.
  • Solid understanding of NEPA requirements and processes.
  • Attention and commitment to timely completion of high-quality work.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
  • 7 to 10 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
  • Demonstrated experience with NEPA and related federal acts, including Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, etc.
  • Working knowledge and experience with relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
  • Familiarity with local, state, and federal permitting agencies.
  • Demonstrated experience contributing to technical reports, preparing environmental impact evaluations, siting reports, and environmental permit applications, including field surveys and reporting, and resource and impact evaluations.
  • Experience with marketing, proposals, and business development.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
  • Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical work week.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree is preferred.
  • Essential professional licensure/certification.

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation
Expected Salary: $99,700- $129,000
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
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About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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