Senior Environmental Planning and Permitting Specialist – England Region

Senior Environmental Planning and Permitting Specialist – New England Region

Join WSP’s Regional Environmental Planning and Permitting Program as a key contributor focused on state and local project delivery across New England. This role emphasizes state permitting expertise, master planning, and resiliency and hazard mitigation planning, while also supporting federal compliance as needed. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, and guide the development of planning and permitting documents for a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, environmental, and community-based projects.

• Lead strategic planning and permitting execution for projects in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and surrounding states.
• Prepare and oversee planning documents such as Open Space and Recreation Plans, Master Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans, and Resiliency Strategies.
• Navigate state and local permitting processes, including MEPA, NH DES, and Maine DEP, ensuring compliance with regional environmental regulations.
• Develop scopes, schedules, budgets, and manage all components of environmental documentation and planning deliverables.
• Support pursuit and capture of exciting new opportunities and projects throughout the Northeast.
• Collaborate with municipal and state agencies, regional planning commissions, and community stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship to earlier-career staff, fostering growth and technical excellence.
• Support federal compliance documentation—NEPA, ESA, NHPA—when applicable, particularly for projects involving FHWA/DOTs, FEMA, and other agencies.
• Conduct impact assessments and regulatory analysis to inform planning and permitting strategies.
• Stay current on New England environmental planning trends, regulatory updates, and best practices.

We’re looking for a seasoned professional who thrives in fast‑paced, collaborative environments. If you’re a strategic thinker with strong communication and leadership skills—looking to make a tangible impact on projects and teams—this role offers the opportunity to do just that.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Policy, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in environmental planning and permitting in New England.
• Demonstrated expertise in state permitting and local planning processes across MA, NH, ME, CT, RI, and VT.
• Proven experience developing and managing Open Space and Recreation Plans, Master Plans, and Hazard Mitigation Plans.
• Strong understanding of resiliency planning and hazard vulnerability assessments.
• Experience coordinating with local/state agencies and community stakeholders.
• Familiarity with federal environmental regulations (NEPA, ESA, NHPA, CZMA) and agencies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and mentor staff.
• Analytical skills and familiarity with research techniques for local/regional geography, site planning, and ecology to identify development constraints and opportunities.
• Capable self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a dynamic team of planners, biologists, and other technical experts to meet project objectives.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Ability to uphold workplace safety guidelines and abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

• Master’s Degree in relevant field of study.
• Professional licensure or certification (e.g., AICP, CEP).

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help…