The DDS Companies is looking for an Environmental Permitting Lead ready to lead meaningful, high-impact work across utility, infrastructure, renewable energy, and land development projects. In this role, you’ll be the person who helps turn complex environmental requirements into clear, actionable permitting strategies—partnering with clients, agencies, and internal teams to move important projects forward with confidence.
Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is $65,000-$100,000 annually. This range represents the expected annual compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual pay will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
401K with match
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Sick Pay
Life and AD&D coverage
Short and Long-Term Disability
HSA and FSA Accounts
Comprehensive Training Programs
What You’ll Do:
In this role, you’ll lead permitting efforts from strategy through approval—helping clients move complex infrastructure, utility, renewable energy, and development projects forward while balancing regulatory requirements, project goals, and environmental stewardship.
Project Leadership & Delivery
Lead permitting strategy, project planning, schedules, budgets, staffing, and deliverables
Coordinate with clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, subconsultants, and internal technical teams
Anticipate permitting risks, solve problems early, and keep projects moving toward approval
Track performance, manage documentation, and support clear reporting throughout the project lifecycle
Client & Agency Relations
Serve as a trusted point of contact for clients and agencies
Build strong relationships through responsive communication and sound technical judgment
Represent DDS in agency meetings, stakeholder discussions, and technical reviews
Translate complex permitting requirements into practical, project-ready solutions
Leadership & Team Development
Guide project managers and technical staff with clarity, accountability, and sound decision-making
Mentor junior team members and support their professional growth
Promote collaboration, safety, continuous improvement, and strong project executionConnect permitting requirements with engineering, survey, construction, and planning workflows
What You’ll Bring
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Community Planning, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
At least 3 years of environmental consulting and project management experience
Experience navigating federal, state, and local environmental permitting processes
Working knowledge of key environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, and floodplain management requirements
Experience preparing permit applications and supporting environmental review processes
Ability to interpret engineering, construction, and design plans
Strong communication, organization, technical judgment, and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS or environmental screening tools
Preferred Qualifications: You’ll stand out if you bring:
5+ years of environmental consulting and project management experience
Utility infrastructure experience, especially natural gas distribution and transmission
Experience with New York environmental permitting programs, including NYSDEC Article 24, Article 15, 401 Water Quality Certification, SEQRA, and rare, threatened, and endangered species review
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting experience, including Section 404, Section 10, and Nationwide Permits
Coordination experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and New York Natural Heritage Program
Familiarity with New York Public Service Law Articles 7, 8, and 10
Wetland and stream delineation experience and ArcGIS proficiency
Skills That Set You Apart
You think strategically and bring strong environmental and regulatory expertise
You manage competing priorities without losing sight of quality, deadlines, or client expectations
You build trust with clients, agencies, and project teams
You communicate clearly and turn complex regulations into actionable next steps
You lead collaboratively, motivate others, and drive results
Work Environment
This role is primarily office-based, with opportunities to get close to the work through field reviews, project site visits, environmental assessments, and stakeholder meetings.
You may occasionally:
Visit utility corridors, construction sites, wetlands, streams, and development areas
Participate in agency, municipal, and client meetings
Travel locally or regionally as project needs require
You’ll have the flexibility to manage multiple priorities while responding to evolving client, regulatory, and permitting timelines.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The DDS Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
