Senior Environmental Permitting Lead

At Jacobs, we’re challenging the present to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We are seeking a Senior Environmental Permitting Lead to drive the successful planning, siting, and permitting of complex energy and infrastructure projects. This senior‑level role will serve as a technical project lead responsible for environmental permitting strategy, regulatory interface, and high‑quality technical deliverables, with significant involvement in proposal preparation, competitive pursuits, cross‑department collaboration, and mentorship of junior staff. This position will work closely with Project Management to ensure project success.

This position will play a central role in expanding and strengthening the Environmental Planning & Permitting practice in the Northeast. The Senior Environmental Permitting Lead will shape project strategies, supervise and mentor staff, and advance key energy and infrastructure initiatives – directly helping Jacobs grow environmental capabilities in the region.

Experience with transportation infrastructure, energy transmission, renewable energy, or similar large‑scale development projects is highly desirable.

• Lead environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for transportation, infrastructure, energy, and development projects across New England.
• Serve as senior technical lead and subject matter expert on NEPA, state environmental policy acts, EIS/EAs, Clean Water Act Section 10/401/404/408, Coastal Zone Management, endangered species, marine and terrestrial resource assessments, and state‑level permit frameworks (MA, RI, CT, etc.).
• Oversee preparation and quality control of environmental documents, technical analyses, permit applications, routing studies, impact assessments, and compliance materials.
• Provide high‑level review, technical editing, and strategic guidance across interdisciplinary teams.
• Provide limited project management support, including contributing to scopes, schedules, budgets, and coordination of task leads.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level staff by offering technical direction, career development feedback, and oversight of work products.
• Support client communication and agency engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

• Lead or support interactions with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, including USACE, DOT, transit authorities, NMFS, EPA, state siting boards, coastal agencies, and environmental regulators.
• Represent the company in stakeholder meetings, technical workshops, settlement discussions, public meetings, and interagency coordination.

• Prepare proposals, develop scope and fee strategies, and support competitive bid processes and interviews for new work.
• Support practice growth by identifying opportunities, informing pursuit strategies, and contributing to marketing materials.
• Collaborate across departments (environmental, engineering, planning, resilience, and energy) to create integrated project approaches.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, biology, ecology, natural resources, or a related field.
• 15+ years of professional experience in environmental permitting and compliance, with significant experience leading large, multidisciplinary infrastructure or energy projects.
• Demonstrated expertise with federal and state permitting frameworks (NEPA, MEPA, Clean Water Act, ESA, CZMA, EFH, etc.).
• Experience engaging with agencies such as USACE, NMFS, EPA, and state environmental departments.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Proven experience mentoring staff and leading technical teams; operating as a senior technical leader in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks with shifting priorities.
• Occasional travel for client meetings, public…