About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

HDR is looking for a Permitting Specialist to join our Industrial team in Charlotte, NC. This position will support and drive execution of projects primarily in our Power, Oil and Gas, Industrial, and Waste market sectors and work closely with our NC Environmental and Engineering team. This position may also support transportation, water/wastewater, federal facilities, and other HDR programs, as needed. The Permitting Specialist will lead permit and regulatory compliance research and applications, with input from HDR's subject matter experts, for various governmental, quasi-governmental, utility, municipal, and private entities. They will monitor progress of applications, help facilitate requests for information between internal and external teams, and communicate with appropriate permitting agencies as needed. The Permitting Specialist will have access to technical support staff from a myriad of disciplines as needed, including but not limited to: environmental permitting, erosion and sediment control plans, right of way, wetlands delineation and natural resource surveys, cultural resource surveys and consultation, GIS, design drawings, and administrative tasks. On a day-to-day basis, they'll also be expected to:

• Collect project-related data, which may include research, interviews with government agencies and clients, map reviews, field investigations for wetlands, and land use.
• Prepare constraints mapping.
• Assist in preparation for and participation in public information meetings and hearings.
• Prepare, plan and analyze/review technical studies, permit applications, and similar reports/documents.
• Assist public and private clients with permit coordination, acquisition and compliance.
• Identify necessary or potentially applicable permits and regulatory approvals (local through federal) for diverse land development activities and linear projects.
• Provide oversite of the preparation of all necessary documentation for permit submissions, including applications, maps, and legal descriptions.
• Coordinate with Engineer of Record on permits that require an engineer's signature.
• Confirm that permit applications and documents are complete, accurate, and compliance with regulatory requirements with assistance from HDR's subject matter experts.
• Interface with governmental agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders to coordinate permitting activities and drive compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.
• Assist in proposal development of scope, schedule and budget relating to all permitting activities.
• Manage scope and execution of work done by subconsultant surveyors.
• Prioritize and schedule tasks to accommodate work on multiple projects for multiple project managers in parallel.
• Collaborate with project managers, commercial managers, project engineers, and environmental planners and scientists.
• Directly communicate and interact with clients to advise on permitting strategies and issues.
• Periodic, short-term, regional travel is required.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of 5 years relevant experience (environmental, permitting, land survey, construction)
• Demonstrated knowledge of permitting requirements associated with federal acts/mandates
• Demonstrated knowledge of permitting requirements associated with NCDEQ
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
• Self-starter with excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to engage team members and foster collaboration across office locations and regions
• Attention to detail and safety
• Ability to multi-task, manage interruptions, and prioritize tasks
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge or permitting requirements for SC, GA, or other southeast state agencies
• Knowledge of power or gas transmission or distribution projects preferred
• Experience with ArcGIS
• Experience with AutoCAD or Civil3D software is a plus
• Prior survey experience
• Preference will be given to local candidates
• Candidates with ten or more years of experience may be considered for a higher-level Permitting Specialist position

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.