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Permitting Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Amdocs

Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Project Manager will help maintain project-level visibility, track forecast and actual delivery ... Identify risks related to input gaps, permitting delay, city/jurisdiction requirement changes ...

Redmond Construction

Senior Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

The Senior Project Manager plays a key role in business development by identifying new ... Lead initial project setup, including permitting, project folder creation, and schedule development ...

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All JobsPermitting Project JobsPermitting Project Manager JobsPermitting Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Permitting Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$100.7K

$154K

How much do permitting project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for permitting project manager in Chicago, IL is $100,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $122,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Permitting Project Manager faces when coordinating with multiple stakeholders?

Permitting Project Managers often navigate complex challenges arising from balancing the requirements of regulatory agencies, project owners, consultants, and contractors. Communication and coordination can be particularly demanding, as different stakeholders may have conflicting priorities and tight deadlines. Staying organized and proactive in managing documentation, timelines, and feedback is crucial to prevent delays. Successful managers excel at problem-solving and maintaining positive relationships while ensuring compliance and project progress.

How to become a permit specialist?

To become a permit specialist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in construction, engineering, or related fields. Developing knowledge of local permitting processes, building codes, and relevant software tools is essential, and some roles may require certifications or licenses depending on the jurisdiction.

Is a project manager a high paying job?

Project managers, including Permitting Project Managers, often earn above-average salaries depending on industry, experience, and location. They typically require strong organizational skills, certifications like PMP, and the ability to manage budgets and teams, which can contribute to higher compensation levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Permitting Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Permitting Project Manager, you need expertise in regulatory compliance, project management, and environmental or construction permitting processes, often supported by a relevant degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with permitting software, project management tools like MS Project, and understanding of local, state, and federal regulations is essential. Strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills help manage stakeholder expectations and navigate complex approval processes. These competencies ensure projects remain on schedule and compliant, minimizing risks and facilitating successful project delivery.

What does a Permitting Project Manager do?

A Permitting Project Manager oversees the process of obtaining necessary permits and approvals for construction, development, or infrastructure projects. They coordinate with regulatory agencies, manage documentation, ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and help resolve any issues that arise during the permitting process. Their role is crucial in keeping projects on schedule by anticipating potential permitting delays and proactively addressing challenges. They often work closely with engineers, architects, contractors, and legal teams to ensure all requirements are met before and during project execution.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Permitting project managers in construction or development fields can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications like PMP, and working in high-demand regions. Salaries vary based on industry, location, project complexity, and company size, with senior or specialized project managers often reaching or exceeding this level.

What is the difference between Permitting Project Manager vs Construction Project Manager?

AspectPermitting Project ManagerConstruction Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like PMP, knowledge of permitting regulationsRequires PMP or equivalent, focus on construction management certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on regulatory agencies, permitting offices, and project planningWorks on construction sites, overseeing building processes
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, engineering firms, developersConstruction companies, general contractors, developers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding permitting process roles, regulatory complianceManaging construction timelines, budgets, and teams

The Permitting Project Manager primarily handles obtaining permits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating with agencies. In contrast, the Construction Project Manager oversees the entire construction process, managing teams, budgets, and schedules. While both roles require project management skills and certifications like PMP, their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

Is there a high demand for project managers?

Permitting Project Managers are in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure, construction, and development projects that require coordination, compliance, and scheduling. The role often requires strong organizational skills, knowledge of regulations, and project management certifications such as PMP, with employment prospects generally favorable across various industries.
What are popular job titles related to Permitting Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Permitting Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Permitting Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Permitting Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Permitting Project Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Permitting Project Manager job openings:
Permitting Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Permitting Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,715 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Permitting Project Manager - Environmental Services (Chicago)

Permitting Project Manager - Environmental Services (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell

Downers Grove, IL

Full-time

Posted 23 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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