Senior Environmental Planner - Transmission focused

AECOM  has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Environmental Planner - Transmission to join our Environmental Planning and Permitting (EPP) team in the Midwest region.

This hybrid role can be based out of AECOM's Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Columbus, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, or Detroit offices. Consideration will also be given for all locations in the Upper Midwest.

Our EPP team serves numerous private industry and public utility energy clients, on a variety of energy projects including transmission, grid modernization, and renewable energy developments.

In this role you will lead project teams and work with our environmental planning practitioners and technical subject matter experts to prepare environmental documents, with a particular focus on supporting permitting and entitlement work for our growing line of work with energy developers and utilities.

Projects range from regional transmission programs and grid modernization efforts to large-scale renewable energy developments and complex, multi-jurisdictional permitting efforts.

This role would involve serving as a seller-doer, responsible for developing and maintaining client relationships, leading pursuits and project teams, and expanding AECOM's energy permitting and environmental planning portfolio across the Midwest and supporting strategic growth initiatives throughout the U.S.

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

• Lead environmental planning and compliance efforts for energy infrastructure projects, and coordination and filings with state utility regulatory agencies and public service commissions to support transmission siting, routing, permitting, and certificate approval processes across Midwest jurisdictions, especially within MISO, PJM, and SPP regions. Will include preparation of technical studies and NEPA documentation.
• Manage early-stage due diligence efforts for siting energy projects and associated infrastructure.
• Provide project management on mid- to large-sized projects, including developing and tracking project schedules, budgets, invoicing, and coordination with clients, technical staff and subconsultants.
• Work on environmental documents and entitlements related to high-profile infrastructure projects, with particular emphasis on energy sector projects.
• Support projects across the Midwest and other U.S. markets by leveraging AECOM's national technical and project delivery platform.
• Contribute to marketing and business development, preparation of proposals, and formulating proposal cost estimates as a seller-doer.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff by reviewing work products, providing technical guidance, and supporting career development.

About AECOM’s Environment Business Line

Join AECOM to be part of an expert global team who is connected through a well-developed, worldwide, internal technical practice network through which you can learn from and brainstorm with the best in the world. AECOM is an industry-leading, world class environmental firm, and we want you to succeed within it.  We respect and encourage your own pathway to excellence via our Freedom to Grow initiative.

AECOM is known for our award-winning technical excellence, leading-edge science and innovative project delivery. We provide sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging issues. Our global clients and their projects span a variety of market sectors and geographies and require innovative technical solutions to solve wide-ranging environmental problems.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in environmental planning, environmental science, geography, natural resources, engineering, or a related field.
• 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in electric transmission and renewable energy (e.g., solar, wind, energy storage) through preparing state utility permitting applications, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications and/or overseeing multi-disciplinary technical teams for resource technical studies and permitting.
• Ability to travel for agency/client meetings, as needed.
• A valid driver’s license is required , along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
• Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years successfully managing permitting and preparing state utility commission and related documentation, strong understanding of current state and federal regulations and guidance.
• Electric transmission and renewable energy (e.g., solar, wind, energy storage) experience through preparing state utility commissions documents, routing and siting analysis, critical issues analysis, land use entitlement applications and/or overseeing multi-disciplinary technical teams for resource technical studies and permitting, as well as NEPA documentation.
• Advanced experience leading complex transmission and renewable energy permitting programs, including strategic permitting, agency negotiation, and multi-state routing effort
• Experience leading transmission permitting, routing, and certificate proceedings before state utility commissions and public service commissions within the Midwest or other U.S. jurisdictions. Experience supporting regulatory hearings or expert witness testimony is a plus.
• Experience supporting client development, proposal preparation, and/or business development pursuits.
• Experience managing environmental planning or permitting projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and client communications.
• Project management experience on environmental planning projects, including client interaction, schedule and budget controls, and invoicing.
• Demonstrated leadership in proposal development and successful pursuit of competitive bids.
• Experience working in a fast-paced consulting environment, managing and mentoring staff.
• Relocation is not available for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

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 2025. 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.