Environmental Planner Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

The DDS Companiesis looking for an Environmental Permitting Lead ready to lead meaningful, high-impact work across utility, infrastructure, renewable energy, and land development projects. In this role, youll be the person who helps turn complex environmental requirements into clear, actionable permitting strategiespartnering with clients, agencies, and internal teams to move important projects forward with confidence.

Pay Range: The pay range for this position is $65,000-$100,000 annually. This range represents the expected annual compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual pay will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
• 401K with match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick Pay
• Life and AD&D coverage
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Accounts
• Comprehensive Training Programs

What You'll Do:

In this role, youll lead permitting efforts from strategy through approvalhelping clients move complex infrastructure, utility, renewable energy, and development projects forward while balancing regulatory requirements, project goals, and environmental stewardship.

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead permitting strategy, project planning, schedules, budgets, staffing, and deliverables
• Coordinate with clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, subconsultants, and internal technical teams
• Anticipate permitting risks, solve problems early, and keep projects moving toward approval
• Track performance, manage documentation, and support clear reporting throughout the project lifecycle

Client & Agency Relations

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for clients and agencies
• Build strong relationships through responsive communication and sound technical judgment
• Represent DDS in agency meetings, stakeholder discussions, and technical reviews
• Translate complex permitting requirements into practical, project-ready solutions

Leadership & Team Development

• Guide project managers and technical staff with clarity, accountability, and sound decision-making
• Mentor junior team members and support their professional growth
• Promote collaboration, safety, continuous improvement, and strong project execution
• Connect permitting requirements with engineering, survey, construction, and planning workflows

What Youll Bring:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Community Planning, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
• At least 3 years of environmental consulting and project management experience
• Experience navigating federal, state, and local environmental permitting processes
• Working knowledge of key environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, and floodplain management requirements
• Experience preparing permit applications and supporting environmental review processes
• Ability to interpret engineering, construction, and design plans
• Strong communication, organization, technical judgment, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS or environmental screening tools

Preferred Qualifications

Youll stand out if you bring:

• 5+ years of environmental consulting and project management experience
• Utility infrastructure experience, especially natural gas distribution and transmission
• Experience with New York environmental permitting programs, including NYSDEC Article 24, Article 15, 401 Water Quality Certification, SEQRA, and rare, threatened, and endangered species review
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting experience, including Section 404, Section 10, and Nationwide Permits
• Coordination experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and New York Natural Heritage Program
• Familiarity with New York Public Service Law Articles 7, 8, and 10
• Wetland and stream delineation experience and ArcGIS proficiency

Skills That Set You Apart

• You think strategically and bring strong environmental and regulatory expertise
• You manage competing priorities without losing sight of quality, deadlines, or client expectations
• You build trust with clients, agencies, and project teams
• You communicate clearly and turn complex regulations into actionable next steps
• You lead collaboratively, motivate others, and drive results

Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based, with opportunities to get close to the work through field reviews, project site visits, environmental assessments, and stakeholder meetings.

You may occasionally:

• Visit utility corridors, construction sites, wetlands, streams, and development areas
• Participate in agency, municipal, and client meetings
• Travel locally or regionally as project needs require

Youll have the flexibility to manage multiple priorities while responding to evolving client, regulatory, and permitting timelines.

Ready to lead meaningful permitting work and help move important projects forward? Apply today and grow your career with DDS.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The DDS Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.