Job Description

Job Title: Environmental Permitting Lead

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Job Overview:

This position would involve leading the process of obtaining permits for projects that may impact both the natural environment and archaeological/cultural heritage sites. The primary responsibility would be ensuring that the project complies with environmental regulations, while also protecting historical and archaeological resources, including compliance with laws such as the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) .

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Project Management :

• Lead teams of environmental consultants, archaeologists, and other stakeholders in conducting assessments and preparing documentation for environmental permits.
• Oversee and coordinate environmental and cultural resource assessments (such as archaeological surveys, site evaluations, and impact analyses) related to the proposed project.
• Develop and manage timelines, budgets, and workflows for permitting projects.

1. Environmental Permitting and Compliance :

• Ensure that all permits related to environmental protection, cultural resource preservation, and land use are obtained, including those from federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., NEPA , Section 106 compliance).
• Prepare and submit Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) , Environmental Assessments (EA) , and other regulatory documents required for obtaining permits.
• Review proposed projects to identify potential impacts on archaeological sites , historical landmarks , and natural resources .
• Provide mitigation recommendations for projects that may adversely affect cultural or environmental resources.

1. Stakeholder Coordination :

• Work closely with government agencies (e.g., State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO) , Bureau of Land Management (BLM)), tribal entities, and community organizations to consult on cultural resource issues.
• Liaise with clients , regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure that the permitting process runs smoothly and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, environmental consultants , and archaeological teams to ensure that cultural resources are protected while balancing project goals.

1. Cultural Resource Management (CRM) :

• Lead archaeological surveys to identify significant cultural sites, historical landmarks, or artifacts that may be impacted by development projects.
• Develop strategies for mitigating damage to archaeological resources , such as data recovery , site preservation , or alterations to project design .
• Oversee the preparation of cultural resource management plans to protect significant sites during project implementation.

1. Regulatory Knowledge and Expertise :

• Keep up-to-date with the latest regulations and standards in environmental permitting and cultural resource management , such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) , Endangered Species Act (ESA) , National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) , Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) , and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) .
• Ensure that environmental and cultural assessments meet both legal and ethical standards for protection and preservation.

1. Report Preparation and Documentation :

• Prepare detailed reports for regulatory agencies, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and Archaeological Resource Management Plans.
• Compile data from field surveys, assessments, and consultations, ensuring the proper documentation of cultural resources.
• Provide expert testimony or reports for public hearings or legal proceedings.

Skills and Qualifications:

1. Archaeological Expertise :

• A Master's degree in Archaeology provides you with a deep understanding of cultural resource management (CRM) , archaeological survey techniques, excavation, and analysis.
• Expertise in archaeological regulations (e.g., Section 106, ARPA, NAGPRA) and site protection methods.

1. Environmental Permitting Knowledge :

• In-depth knowledge of environmental laws , including NEPA, ESA, and other relevant federal and state regulations that pertain to permitting.
• Experience in leading the preparation of permitting documentation such as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) , Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) , and mitigation plans .

1. Leadership :

• Strong leadership skills to oversee teams and manage projects involving multiple disciplines.
• Ability to coordinate interdisciplinary teams and balance multiple tasks while ensuring compliance with both environmental and cultural resource regulations.

1. Stakeholder Engagement :

• Ability to liaise effectively with regulatory agencies , tribal organizations , and community stakeholders to ensure the proper handling of archaeological and environmental concerns.
• Good negotiation and communication skills to manage stakeholder expectations and secure necessary permits.

1. Attention to Detail :

• Meticulous attention to detail in documentation, reporting, and compliance to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met without overlooking cultural or environmental concerns.

Potential Employers:

1. Environmental Consulting Firms : Companies that provide comprehensive environmental assessment, permitting, and compliance services for development projects, often requiring expertise in archaeology for cultural resource management.
2. Government Agencies :

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers , Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , Bureau of Land Management (BLM) , State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO) , and local planning agencies involved in environmental review and permitting.

1. Tribal Organizations and Cultural Resource Consultancies : Tribes or firms that work with Native American tribes to manage and protect archaeological and cultural heritage sites.
2. Private Industry : Construction companies, energy developers, and other industries requiring permits for projects that may affect cultural resources (e.g., pipeline projects, urban development, transportation infrastructure).
3. Non-Profit Organizations : NGOs focused on preserving cultural heritage and natural resources, which may hire professionals to lead environmental permitting processes.

Advancement and Certification:

• In addition to your Master's degree , you may consider obtaining certifications such as Certified Archaeological Professional (CAP) or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) to increase your expertise and employability in the field of environmental permitting.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position with standard office hours.
• Office environment with potential for occasional overtime during peak periods.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Job Tags

Similar Jobs