Environmental Studies Project Manager; Kansas

Description

This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that optimize routing, siting, and permitting processes for energy and infrastructure projects in the Kansas City Office. The Director will work closely with ENS Senior Leadership and Global Practice Managers to ensure regulatory compliance, minimize risk, and accelerate project delivery through innovative approaches to environmental planning and stakeholder engagement.

• Lead strategic initiatives to improve routing, siting, and permitting efficiency across ENS projects, aligning with regional and global objectives.

• Develop and implement frameworks for consistent, scalable, and measurable permitting processes, including:

• Regulatory Compliance:
  Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local requirements.

• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Foster collaboration with agencies, landowners, and communities.

• Risk Management:
  
  Identify and mitigate environmental and regulatory risks early in project planning.

• Establish performance metrics for permitting success, such as cycle time reduction, approval rates, and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Serve as the primary advisor on routing and siting strategies, guiding project teams on best practices and innovative solutions.

• Coordinate with ENS leadership and project teams to integrate permitting strategies into overall project execution plans.

• Develop training programs to build internal expertise in routing, siting, and permitting.

• Represent Burns & McDonnell in regulatory forums, industry associations, and community engagements to strengthen relationships and thought leadership.

• Lead the identification, development and implementation of the ENS strategy for transformative innovation within the environmental studies routing and siting department.

• Directly engage clients to co‑develop innovative solutions, positioning Burns & McDonnell as a partner of choice for transformative programs. Explore external partnerships with startups, vendors, and technology providers (e.g., AI, robotics, digital platforms) to bring cutting‑edge capabilities into ENS and accelerate our position as an innovation leader.

• Other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, planning, or related field.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in routing, siting, permitting, or regulatory compliance for energy or infrastructure projects (14 years preferred).

• Proven ability to lead complex permitting processes and manage stakeholder relationships.

• Strong knowledge of NEPA, FERC regulations, and state/local permitting requirements.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Ability to influence and drive change across multidisciplinary teams.

• Travel requirement: approximately 25%.

• Experience developing and implementing new methodologies, tools, or processes across multi‑disciplinary teams.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans