Licensing and Permitting Project Manager/Ecologist

About the RoleThe Energy and Environment Practice at AKRF is seeking a Licensing and Permitting Project Manager with a background in wildlife biology and terrestrial ecology with a minimum of 8 to 10 years of experience to enhance our team of environmental scientists, engineers, planners, ecologists and meteorologists that serve our energy clients. Experience with clients in the energy sector is preferred. The position is located in our Finger Lakes Office in the Ithaca area, New York.Job Responsibilities:Directly applicable experience in environmental consulting and a BS/MS in wildlife biology, environmental resources, environmental planning, natural resources, and/or a related fieldDirect experience with New York State Energy Facility Siting Programs (i.e., ORES 94-c, Article VII, and Article 10) and NYSDEC and USACE permitting requirements is required. Experience with NJDEP and PaDEP environmental permitting programs is a plus.Fostering and maintaining excellent working relationships with regulatory agency personnel and the publicExcel in preparing scientific reports, permit application documents, environmental impact assessments, and compliance evaluations under SEQRA, New York State Energy Facility Siting Programs, NEPA, and NYSDEC and USACE permitting programs.Ability to perform field surveys and data collection as well as manage and coordinate the field work efforts of teams of scientists in support of rare, threatened and endangered species assessments, wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, and plant community and invasive species surveys.Management of multiple projects of varying size and complexity for both independent power producers (IPPs) and public utility clientsBusiness development, relationship management, and client interactionResponsible for project-related administrative tasks, including subcontract preparation, invoice review, and management of A/REssential Requirements:Candidates must have a minimum of 8 to 10 years (energy sector preferred) of directly applicable energy facility siting project management and ecological consulting experience including the ability to perform and oversee wetland delineation, stream assessments, rare, threatened, and endangered species habitat evaluations, and associated environmental permitting in support of energy facility developments.A Bachelor's or Master's degree in forestry, botany, biology, natural resources, wildlife management or related field is required for this position.Direct experience with New York State Energy Facility Siting Programs, NYSDEC and USACE permitting requirements, and local land development approval processes is required.A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.Willingness and physical ability to travel and hike 3 to 5 miles in rough terrain with field gear.Excellent writing and communication skills.Ability to foster and maintain excellent working relationships with our clients, agency personnel, local stakeholders, and the publicAbility to take ownership of job responsibilities and see them through completion.Proficiency in Microsoft business software including Word, Excel, and Teams.Ability to be flexible, learn quickly, and work as part of a project team.Familiarity with Geographic Information System software is a plus.Position will entail occasional field work, with the potential for overnight travel ranging from several days to a week.CompensationCompensation will range from $120,000 to $135,000, and commensurate with experience.Why Work at AKRFFounded in 1981, AKRF is an award-winning consulting firm with 400 planners, engineers, designers, economists, ecologists, geologists, historians, archaeologists, acousticians, and many other types of professionals guided by the belief that to be original is to be transformative.Professionals join and remain at AKRF for our corporate-casual environment that values flexible work schedules and locations, and balances award-winning projects with social impact initiatives, charitable giving, and plenty of fun and games. We foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where employees are respected and valued in honor of their identities; we strive to deliver on this promise every day. Our cookie exchanges and ice cream socials are quite the treat.What We OfferWe provide employees with a benefit package that reflects our respect for your workplace contributions, professional goals, and personal priorities. The benefits program at AKRF includes:Medical, Dental, Vision insuranceVacation and Sick timeFlexible work schedules and locations401(k) retirement plan with employer matchingAdditional Voluntary Life InsuranceShort- and Long-Term DisabilityStock OwnershipTuition ReimbursementTraining and professional development coursesOpportunities for community outreach through internal networksCharitable donation matchTransit/parking programEqual Opportunity Company