Permitting Specialist – Natural Resources & Resilience

Department: Engineering

Location: New Haven, CT

Compensation: $80,000 - $90,000 / year

Description

Creativity. Innovation. A desire to effect positive change. That’s what it takes to work at Fuss & O’Neill – because that’s what we do for the communities in which we work: we create, innovate, and design long-lasting improvements that improve quality of life. Quality of life is also important on the job, so we’ve prioritized work-life balance by offering flexible/remote work opportunities, part-time benefits, and generous PTO. We believe that each day is an opportunity to support one another, to support our clients, and to support our communities. If you feel the same, then you’ve found your future.

As a Natural Resource Permitting Specialist, you will play a crucial role in interpreting federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, preparing permit applications, and ensuring compliance across a variety of environmental engineering projects. You’ll work closely with clients, regulatory agencies, and multi-disciplinary teams, and have the opportunity to mentor junior staff. This position provides the chance to oversee and lead key aspects of permitting and natural resource assessments, while supporting initiatives focused on ecological protection and sustainable design/development.

You'll participate in projects related to coastal and inland development planning, energy infrastructure, restoration, climate resilience, flood management, and dam repair/removal; and oversee and lead key aspects of permitting and natural resource assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local regulatory requirements to environmental permitting processes in New England, with a primary focus on Connecticut.
• Prepare and submit permit applications for coastal and inland projects, ensuring compliance with Connecticut DEEP programs (e.g., Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, Tidal Wetlands, Structures, Dredging & Fill, and 401 Water Quality Certifications), as well as federal requirements (e.g., USACE Section 404/10, NEPA, and CEPA).
• Work closely with regulatory agencies at the state, federal, and local levels to facilitate project approvals and maintain compliance.
• Conduct and oversee wetland delineations, ecological assessments, and habitat evaluations for both coastal and inland projects.
• Lead field surveys and inventories for protected species, invasive plant species, and native plant identification efforts.
• Mentor junior staff, guiding their fieldwork and permitting activities and assisting with data analysis and report preparation.
• Collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams for permitting tasks and provide support across various environmental and engineering disciplines.
• Participate in projects related to coastal and inland development planning, energy infrastructure, restoration, climate resilience, flood management, and dam repair/removal.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelors degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, or a closely related background
• 5–10 years of experience in natural resource permitting, with a strong background in regulatory requirements specific to Connecticut and New England.
• Proven experience working with Connecticut DEEP programs and securing project permits through coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Qualified wetlands professional with experience conducting wetland delineations in Connecticut and other New England states.
• Expertise and training in ecological and impact assessments, including surveys for protected species, invasive plants, and habitat assessments.
• Familiarity with NEPA and CEPA processes; experience with coastal zone management and endangered species coordination is a plus.
• Strong mentoring abilities to guide junior staff and foster professional growth.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency in using GIS, Remote Sensing, or other data analysis/modeling tools to support permitting, resource impact analyses, and project decision making.
• Professional Wetland Scientist and qualified soil scientist certifications strongly preferred.
  
  

This position may report to either the New Haven, CT or Hartford, CT office.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• Schedule Flexibility: Customize your work schedule to fit your life.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits to keep you and your family healthy.
• Continuous Learning: Access to online courses, conferences, and learning materials to fuel your professional growth.
• Paid Time Off: Take the time you need to recharge with our generous paid time off policy.
• Career Advancement: Clear paths for promotions and the opportunity to take on new challenges.
• Fun Team Culture: Regular team-building activities, happy hours, and company outings.
  
  

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

All offers are contingent upon a successful criminal background check. Fuss & O'Neill, Inc. is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Fuss & O’Neill participates in the Federal e-Verify program.