KPD - Permitting Specialist - Environmental & State/Local

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Permitting Specialist with a strong background in permit application development, technical report writing, and agency coordination. This role will support permitting efforts for environmental and state or local permitting required across multiple construction projects, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will bring 3 or more years of experience in environmental consulting, permitting or agency engagement, with a strong command of ArcGIS and Field Maps for spatial data interpretation.

District Overview

Kiewit Power Delivery. is a full-service engineering and construction solutions provider operating across North America. Our experience and expertise span all aspects of the transmission and distribution market from high voltage overhead and underground transmission to distribution and automation design and construction capabilities. With these broad capabilities, we operate in the electric utility, renewable energy, industrial, and oil & gas markets.  As part of Kiewit, we are integrated with 135 years of construction and engineering experience that provides holistic solutions, differentiating our team from the rest of the industry. 

Our rapidly growing power delivery business has opened new locations across North America to strengthen our market presence while executing work within the communities that we live. We have invested in industry leading design technology and platforms while also expanding our construction equipment fleet with the most advanced, and safest equipment on the market. We are committed to building upon our history as one of the safest companies to work for by equipping our craft with the best tooling and safety programs available. 

We are an innovative team that prides itself on excellence through continuous improvement and an unwavering commitment to deliver for our clients. Our staff collaborates with Kiewit’s vast internal network of resources that span heavy civil and infrastructure, vertical and commercial buildings, mining, as well our oil and gas and power generation markets, to drive safe and cost-effective solutions that achieve client expectations and further Kiewit’s legacy of excellence. 

Location

This position is located in Portland, OR.

Responsibilities

•    Manage permitting strategies for linear electrical projects, including timelines, deliverables, and risk mitigation.
•    Identify all required permits (e.g., environmental, construction, right-of-way, utility crossing) at federal, state, tribal, and local levels.
•    Identify all permits for linear electrical projects required by federal, state, and local agencies.
•    Interpret and utilize Field Maps and ArcGIS tools to support environmental planning and design avoidance.
•    Prepare, submit, and track permit applications, ensuring timely approvals and maintain a comprehensive permitting matrix and schedule aligned with project milestones.
•    Coordinate with environmental consultants and design team for impact assessments and advise on strategy for successful project execution.
•    Manage 404/401 permitting processes, including field survey scoping, application development, agency coordination, and permit compliance.
•    Serve as the primary liaison with permitting agencies such as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Land Managers, state environmental departments, and city planning offices.
•    Develop and deliver regular permitting status reports to project leadership, highlighting risks, delays, and mitigation actions.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
•    Minimum 3 years of experience in environmental permitting, construction compliance, or related fieldwork.
•    Proficiency in ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, and Field Maps for environmental data collection and analysis.
•    Strong technical writing skills, with experience drafting environmental reports and permit applications.
•    In-depth knowledge of Clean Water Act Section 404/401 permitting processes.
•    Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
•    Ability to travel to project sites as needed.
Preferred Skills
•    Experience supporting DOE or other federal grant applications.
•    Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
•    Background in siting studies and environmental impact assessments.
•    Previous work with multidisciplinary teams on large-scale infrastructure or T&D projects.

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