Permitting Project Manager

Company Description

KPFF, a multi-office, multi-discipline engineering firm, is committed to Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion. For over 60 years KPFF has been providing creative solutions and excellent client service for a diverse range of projects and industries. Our 1,400 professionals in 30 offices nationwide thrive in a decentralized structure, offering abundant flexibility and numerous opportunities for professional growth. At KPFF, join a legacy of excellence where every team member has the opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions and meaningful projects.

To learn more about us and the projects we work on, visit our website at .

Working under the Team Leader and Principal in a small team environment with support from the larger KPFF community, this role supports entitlement and permitting efforts for waterfront, civil, transportation, and bridge projects, as well as project management for transportation planning projects, including research, writing, and staff and subconsultant management.

This position is within the KPFF Planning Team, which is a specialized group of planners within KPFF that focuses on waterborne transportation feasibility planning and implementation, capital and operations management projects for ferries as well as entitlement support for KPFF engineering projects. Example waterborne transportation projects include: WSF Long Range Plan, PSRC Passenger-Only Ferry Study.

• Lead land use and transportation planning initiatives, managing project scopes and schedules; ensuring completion of all items.
• Review and finalize content for reports and memos, ensuring clarity, quality, and alignment.
• Direct spatial analysis and mapping efforts to support planning and decision-making.
• Guide grant writing efforts and proposal development.
• Manage and coordinate deliverables across teams and subconsultants, from a range of disciplines.
• Prepare clear, accurate project documents including presentations, memorandums, reports, and spreadsheets.
• Identify resources needed and coordinate with group leads to delegate individual responsibilities.
• Facilitate client, stakeholder, and public meetings and presentations and ensure follow through on action items.
• Ensure project documents comply with project requirements and are complete, current, and stored appropriately.
• Manage project budgets including analysis of project spending, preparation of budget reports, and management of timely and accurate invoicing.

• Lead development of project documents in coordination with planners, engineers, subconsultants, and clients, including reports, memos, presentations, and graphics.
• Develop strategies and recommendations for clients in coordination with technical experts.
• Awareness of engagement principles and processes.

• Direct research and interpretation of code requirements for properties and projects.
• Lead coordination of land use and regulatory processes across disciplines and jurisdictions.
• Establish and maintain relationships with agencies to streamline permitting and approval processes.
• Coordinate with design team to ensure timely and accurate information for permit applications.
• Manage preparation and submission of land use and permit applications, ensuring completeness and compliance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, adjusting timelines and resources as needed.

• Serve as primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders throughout project lifecycle.
• Handle day-to-day client interaction, identifying needs and evaluating solutions.
• Set and manage client expectations when appropriate.
• Develop lasting relationships with client personnel that foster long‑term client relationships.
• Continually seek opportunities to increase client satisfaction and deepen client relationships.

• Identify opportunities for improvement and make constructive suggestions.
• Consistently acknowledge and appreciate each team member's contributions.
• Motivate team to work together in the most efficient manner.
• Keep track of lessons learned and share those lessons with team members.
• Facilitate and support team communication and coordination.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning (transportation, development, public policy, land use, or environmental).
• 3 years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility.
• Familiarity with both Washington State and federal regulations.
• Familiarity with permitting and entitlement processes.
• Understanding of transportation, land use and environmental planning.
• Ability to conduct research, compile, and analyze technical data.
• Proven ability to facilitate team, project, and client meetings effectively and document meeting outcomes.
• Skilled in writing and editing reports and proposals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self‑starter with efficient time management and the ability to work independently.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects…