Associate Project Manager - Utility Permitting

About the opportunity SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Associate Project Manager - Utility Permitting to support environmental permitting efforts for utility infrastructure projects throughout Massachusetts and the Northeast. Projects may include electric transmission and distribution, substations, renewable energy interconnections, and other utility-related infrastructure requiring local, state, and federal permitting approvals. This position is ideal for a developing project manager with permitting experience who is ready to take increased responsibility for project coordination, client support, schedules, and deliverables while working under the guidance of senior project managers and technical leads. This role will report to one of our MA office locations (Amherst or Southborough), but candidates can be distributed, preferably anywhere within the New England area. This is a regular (with benefits), salaried/exempt, full‑time position. What you will accomplish Support the planning, coordination, and execution of utility permitting projects, primarily in Massachusetts and surrounding New England states Coordinate environmental permitting tasks and schedules under the direction of a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager Assist with preparation and review of permitting applications, technical reports, and supporting documentation Manage projects that include NEPA compliance, biological resource assessments and constraints analyses, state and federal Endangered Species Act consultations, Clean Water Act Section 404 and Section 401 permitting, state‑level siting permits, and state wetlands permits. Track project scopes, schedules, milestones, and budgets for small to medium projects and defined tasks within larger projects Coordinate with internal technical specialists (natural resources, cultural resources, GIS, environmental planning) to support permit deliverables Support agency coordination with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies (e.g., MassDEP, local Conservation Commissions, USACE, NHESP) Communicate project status, risks, and needs to project leadership and internal team members Perform QA/QC reviews of project deliverables at the task level Assist with subcontractor coordination, invoicing review, and project documentation management Promote and adhere to SWCA's quality standards, and project management best practices Takes responsibility for team safety, developing safety plans (when applicable), and anticipating potential safety hazards. Experience and qualifications Minimum qualifications Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Planning, Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Three (3) years of natural resources consulting experience on a variety of project types and sizes, with an emphasis on federal, state, and local permitting in New England, and agency interactions at all levels. Experience supporting utility, linear infrastructure, or energy‑related permitting efforts One year of experience managing projects, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work. Working knowledge of applicable environmental regulations (e.g., MEPA, MESA, Wetlands Protection Act, Clean Water Act, NEPA) Demonstrated experience with federal agencies such as USFWS, EPA, USACE, and FERC. Experience coordinating project tasks, schedules, and deliverables Strong written and verbal communication skills Proficiency with common project management and documentation tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, SharePoint, project tracking systems) Preferred qualifications Master's degree in biology, botany, wildlife management, or a closely related field. Five (5) years of natural resources consulting experience on a variety of project types, sizes, and regions that include: energy facility siting and constraints studies, federal, state, and local permitting, NEPA compliance, and agency interactions at all levels. Experience assisting with energy facility siting and constraints studies Experience with NEPA compliance Direct experience with Massachusetts utility permitting and local/state regulatory processes Experience supporting projects involving electric transmission, distribution, renewable energy, or substations Demonstrated established relationships with state regulators and key utility clients in the northeast. Demonstrated success managing large multi‑year utility projects through permitting, construction, and closeout. Experience in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and/or Maine. New York experience is a plus. Interest in continued growth toward full Project Manager responsibilities An employee in this Massachusetts-based position can expect an annual salary of $66,612.00 - $95,823.00. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular‑status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits Package, forward‑thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award‑winning career development, and more. EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success. #J-18808-Ljbffr SWCA Environmental Consultants