Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager for our Chicago, IL. 

We’re seeking a Project Manager to lead the planning, permitting, execution, and delivery of renewable energy and energy‑infrastructure projects across the Midwest. This includes utility‑scale and distributed generation (DG) renewable projects, as well as electric transmission lines and natural gas pipeline projects. The ideal candidate brings strong permitting expertise, cross‑technology project experience, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments ensuring they meet performance, budget, schedule, and regulatory requirements.

Your Impact

• Manage full project lifecycles, from site assessment and permitting through construction and commissioning.
• Lead all permitting activities, including local zoning, environmental reviews, state siting approvals, and federal compliance (e.g., NEPA, USACE, DNR, etc.).
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, environmental, legal, and external partners to keep projects on track.
• Ability to manage multiple large‑scale projects simultaneously.
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, risk registers, and mitigation plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, utilities, landowners, contractors, permitting authorities, and community stakeholders Ensure adherence to regional regulatory frameworks and interconnection requirements.
• Monitor project performance and drive timely, high‑quality delivery.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• 5+ years of experience working as an environmental scientist and completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and impact assessments, and/or construction monitoring.
• Demonstrated experience managing renewable energy projects (wind, solar, BESS or related technologies) and/or electric transmission and natural gas pipeline projects.
• Strong permitting background, including experience navigating local, state, and federal approval processes in the Midwest including Illinois and Indiana.
• Experience with electric transmission or gas pipeline projects, including routing, permitting, or construction oversight.
• Strong permitting background across local, state, and federal processes in the Midwest.
• Familiarity with interconnection processes for both DG and utility‑scale projects
• Understanding of regional energy markets, environmental compliance, and grid‑integration considerations.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, project management, or related field.
   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

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