Environmental Planner

Why CDM Smith?

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Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co‑workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so.

Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world‑class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Planning Specialist to navigate permitting processes in New Jersey (NJ) and New York (NY). This role requires a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal regulations related to construction, development, environmental compliance, and infrastructure projects in both states. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, detail‑oriented professional with excellent communication skills, having permitting experience with NJDEP, NYCDEP, NYSDEC, NYSDOT, NJDOT as well as federal and local agencies.

• Regulatory Research and Analysis:
  Research, interpret, and apply applicable government codes, ordinances, and regulations in both NJ and NY.
• Stay current with changes to building codes, environmental regulations, and zoning laws in both jurisdictions.
• Conduct thorough research to identify all necessary permits and approvals for various project types, including construction, alterations, renovations, and use‑of‑land projects.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive permit applications to relevant regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation, including site plans, technical reports, and environmental assessments.
• Coordinate with engineers and other professionals to gather required information and ensure project plans comply with regulations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the organization and various regulatory authorities, fostering strong relationships to facilitate the permitting process.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to manage expectations, address concerns, and provide updates on permit status.
• Negotiate with regulatory agencies and address comments or challenges to expedite approvals.
• Monitor the status of permit applications and ensure timely approvals, tracking key deadlines and potential issues.
• Support project teams in developing and implementing strategies to overcome permitting challenges and keep projects on schedule.
• Provide support during inspections to verify compliance with permit conditions.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline.
• 3 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required; frequency contingent on duties and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

10%

• Solid knowledge of principles and methods for large scale land use including the relative costs and benefits.
• Solid knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Solid knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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