Licensing and Permitting Project Manager/Ecologist

About the Role

The Energy and Environment Practice is seeking a Licensing and Permitting Project Manager to enhance our team of environmental scientists, engineers, planners, ecologists and meteorologists that serve our energy clients. The position is located in our Finger Lakes Office in the Ithaca area, NY.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare and deliver high-quality scientific reports, permit applications, environmental impact assessments, and compliance evaluations in accordance with SEQRA, NEPA, NYSDEC, USACE, and New York State Energy Facility Siting requirements (e.g., Article VIII).
• Lead and execute field surveys and data collection efforts; coordinate and manage multidisciplinary field teams conducting wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, and rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects of varying scope and complexity for independent power producers (IPPs) and public utility clients, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive business development efforts by cultivating client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and supporting proposal development and client engagement.
• Oversee project administration, including subcontractor coordination, invoice review, and accounts receivable (A/R) management to support overall project financial performance.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 8–10 years of directly relevant experience in energy facility siting and ecological consulting (energy sector experience preferred), including demonstrated ability to lead wetland delineations, stream assessments, and rare, threatened, and endangered species habitat evaluations, as well as associated environmental permitting for energy development projects.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in forestry, botany, biology, natural resources, wildlife management, or a related field.
• Proven experience with New York State Energy Facility Siting Programs (e.g., ORES 94-c, Article VII, Article 10) and NYSDEC and USACE permitting requirements; familiarity with NJDEP and PaDEP permitting programs is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean or acceptable driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly and conduct fieldwork, including hiking 3–5 miles in rough terrain while carrying field equipment.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex environmental information.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, local stakeholders, and the public.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for delivering high-quality work through to completion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Adaptable team player with the ability to manage multiple priorities, learn quickly, and contribute effectively in a collaborative project environment.

Compensation

Compensation will range from $110K to $130K, and commensurate with experience.

Why Work at AKRF

Founded 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 Offer

We 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 insurance
• Vacation and Sick time
• Flexible work schedules and locations
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Stock Ownership
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Training and professional development courses
• Opportunities for community outreach through internal networks
• Charitable donation match
• Transit/parking program

Authorization Disclaimer

Applicants should be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time they apply. Please note that AKRF is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position, now or in the future.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon verification of authorization to work in the United States, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Company

AKRF enforces a policy of equal employment opportunity in our daily operations. The firm has a demonstrated history of hiring, training, developing, promoting and retaining minority group members and women. All employment-related decisions are based solely on relevant criteria and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, caregiver status, military/veteran status or citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.