Senior Environmental Project Manager 1

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Environmental Project Manager to lead permitting and regulatory compliance efforts for inter- and intra- state energy infrastructure projects in the renewables, utilities and gas sectors. Responsibilities span project lifecycle management—from siting/routing, NEPA compliance and permitting, to state and federal agency coordination and construction support—while ensuring adherence to related regulatory requirements. The position combines technical expertise with strategic project leadership, client engagement, and a business development mindset. #LI-JB1

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead complex environmental permitting and regulatory strategy for power/energy projects across the full project lifecycle: routing/siting, NEPA documentation (EA/EIS), permitting, licensing and construction compliance.
• Serve as the primary client contact and agency liaison: facilitate and present at stakeholder meetings and public hearings; proactively engage and negotiate permitting pathways with USACE, USFWS, state wildlife agencies, SHPOs, and local jurisdictions; and maintain strong agency and client relationships that advance project approvals.
• Serve as a client account manager responsible for developing long-term client relationships in order to secure repeat business.
• Guide strategy and direct technical teams in the preparation, submission, and tracking of environmental studies associated with licensing/permit applications and consultations for energy/utility projects.
• Provide senior level review for technical studies, environmental documentation, and regulatory filings.
• Negotiate complex permit/licensing conditions and mitigation strategies with agencies and stakeholders.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams (including subconsultants), project budgets, schedules, identify potential project risks, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Drive business development: identify opportunities, lead proposal strategy and writing, prepare interview materials, and support account growth across energy infrastructure and energy markets.
• Lead efforts to recruit, mentor and train junior and mid-level staff in environmental project management, regulatory compliance, and project safety best practices.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years leading environmental licensing and permitting for intrastate energy infrastructure projects regulated by Public Utility Commissions and/or interstate projects regulated by FERC, with proven expertise in Section 7(b)/7(c) filings under the Natural Gas Act, NEPA/CEQA documentation/coordination, and agency engagement.
• Expertise in regulations, orders, and standards administered by these regulatory agencies with a working knowledge with other applicable state and federal environmental regulations.
• Strong project management skills with a successful track record of overseeing and delivering multiple complex projects in various phases of development and geographic locations on time and on budget.
• Proven ability to author, manage and review permit applications and technical studies supporting federal, state, and local regulatory documentation and submissions.
• Demonstrated success in business development, forecasting and client relationship management within an environmental consulting setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present at public hearings, agency, and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams both in office and remotely by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
• Ability to travel (up to 25%) to GAI office locations, business development events/conferences, stakeholder events, agency hearings, and client meetings as needed.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with energy transition projects (, hydrogen, CCUS, CO₂ transportation, renewables) and associated regulatory frameworks in the Midwest and Gulf states, particularly Texas.
• Familiarity with EPC delivery environments and third‑party NEPA contracting.
• Proven track record of team leadership and project management with energy projects, including specific experience with obtaining FERC authorizations for interstate energy projects on time and within budget.
• Established working relationships with FERC, USACE, USFWS, and related state regulatory agencies.
• This position prefers candidates to be in Texas. However, candidates with extensive Texas, Arizona, or California project experience located in the Midwest or Southwest US are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $170,000 per year. The compensation offer will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

General Characteristics

• This position is responsible for leading the successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and quality of intra- and interstate energy permitting and compliance projects.
• Ability to demonstrate successful use of fundamental project management skills to effectively manage projects.

Minimum Years of Experience

• Minimum of 12 years of total technical experience directly related to the outlined Position Requirements, with at least 5 of those years serving as a Senior Project Manager leading and directing projects for an environmental consulting organization or similar professional services firm.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Engineering, or a closely related discipline; Master’s degree strongly preferred.

Teamwork and Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversight and coordination of project task deliverables, which could include involvement with subconsultant partners.
• Available to junior staff for guidance; Provides opportunities to junior staff for becoming familiar with task management and financials.
• Recruiting and retaining staff.
• Ability to develop and implement day-to-day routines for a team.
• Talent development: Develop Staff skills and empowering them as problem-solvers boosts innovation and productivity.

Project Management Responsibilities:

• Delivers scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and profitability of all projects managed.
• Plans and manages proposal and projects with multiple technical disciplines

Business Development Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains successful client relationships on existing projects.
• Ability to identify bid opportunities and coordinate and develop a proposed scope, schedule, and fee for submission in competitive bidding opportunities.
• Supports senior management in contract negotiations with clients.

Communication Responsibilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with and garner support from key stakeholders and staff.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical reports and procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports and other business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in-person meetings.
• Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10-20 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
• Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes.

Why GAI?

At GAI, exceptional people have an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

• Competitive salary - GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire)
• New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program
• Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays
• 401k company match
• Tuition Reimbursement