Environmental Permitting Specialist

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AECOM is actively seeking a highly talented Environmental Permitting Specialist with proven Florida experience for immediate full-time employment in the Coral Gables, Florida office. The successful candidate will work within an interdisciplinary collaborative environment that provides career growth opportunities within AECOM’s Environmental Planning and Permitting (EPP) Southeast Region Team. This position will include directing and completing federal, state, and local permitting to include report writing, permitting application preparation, directing environmental/engineering resources support staff, and coordinating with agencies and clients. Experience with threatened and endangered (T&E) species surveys, as well as coastal and marine project experience will also be considered as part of this role. The EPP team largely works on projects throughout the southeast, but particularly in Florida.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Leading preliminary desktop assessments of potential permitting requirements for proposed projects including deliverable coordination/development and/or review of critical issues analysis that is either completed in-house or by a subcontractor.
• Leading development of detailed permit matrices composed of applicable federal/state/local environmental regulations.
• Leading/originating development of initial and subsequent strategy for obtaining Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404/401 permitting and/or other federal, state, and local permits, including coordination with senior staff, clients, and reviewing agencies.
• Lead preparation of permit applications and manage review, submittal, responding to requests for additional information, and processing for permitting such as federal Section 401/404 Permits, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Sovereign Submerged Lands (SSL) Permits, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Environmental Resource Permits (ERP), Broward County Environmental Resource Licenses (ERL), Miami-Dade County Class I Permit, and others.
• Leading coordination and/or due diligence desktop investigations in support of project planning and permitting. Such efforts may include: T&E species habitat assessment, essential fish habitat (EFH) assessment, and reporting with sub-contractor / agency coordination; and conducting detail and/or technical review of ecological assessment documents, and other associated reports.
• Section 7 requirements with USFWS and NOAA Fisheries
• Familiarity with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and environmental report production, EA/EIS
• Knowledge of and experience utilizing the USACE’s Jacksonville District Biological Opinion (JaxBO)
• Lead and assist with task management according to approved scopes of work and delivering quality deliverables on schedule and within budget.
• Coordinating and leading conversations with clients (internal and external), and various governmental agencies (federal/state/local).
• Serving as a technical lead for environmental, biological, permitting and other impact assessments across the region.
• Assisting Senior Managers with business development activities, including proposals, pre-qualifications, and relationship building with clients and prospective clients.
• Work requires independent research, project ownership, and accountability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or related field
• 6+ years of professional work experience in environmental resource permitting completing state and federal permits in accordance with corresponding regulations.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and as a condition of employment must be able to pass AECOM’s Motor Vehicle Records review
• Due to the nature of work, US citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, or related field
• A strong background permitting and coastal wetland ecology
• Demonstrated knowledge of South Florida flora and fauna.
• High degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently with limited supervision, as well as in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience in biological survey fieldwork (coastal, inland) including conducting formal jurisdictional delineations
• Ability to work on complex projects within interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to analyze and interpret scientific and/or engineering data pertaining to biological and/or ecological impacts
• Solid report writing and ability to perform detail-oriented work
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills, including clear and concise written and spoken communication, is required.
• Preparing permit application packages and experience in agency coordination necessary to obtain natural resource permits

• Sponsorship is not available for this position
• Relocation is not available for this position

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.