Revolutionize Water Sustainability: Advance Regulatory Strategy for Data Center Development
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Senior Water Permitting & Regulatory Strategy Manager to join the Infrastructure Services Water Team, supporting data center development across the AMER East region, with an emphasis on Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia.
This individual will lead complex water and wastewater permitting efforts, develop regional permitting strategies, and serve as a subject-matter expert on regulatory frameworks across key Eastern U.S. jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience working with public agencies, utility providers, and infrastructure teams to navigate permitting pathways efficiently, while also supporting AWS’ broader sustainability and public policy objectives.
If you have experience securing water-related permits, navigating municipal or state-level planning requirements, collaborating across diverse technical teams, and engaging with agencies or policymakers — this role is for you.
Key job responsibilities
Regulatory Strategy & Permitting
- Lead and/or support water and wastewater permitting efforts across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, and other AMER East geographies.
- Manage regulatory agency relationships (PA DEP, Ohio EPA, MD Environment, VA DEQ, SRBC, DRBC, local governments) including compliance issues, corrective actions, and resolution tracking.
- Support compliance with state-specific sewage facility planning and permitting frameworks (e.g., Act 537 in PA and similar laws in other jurisdictions).
- Advise on water and wastewater permitting feasibility and strategy during site selection and entitlement phases.
- Together with partner teams, develop and support executing state and local-level permitting strategies that align with AWS infrastructure timelines and regulatory requirements, such as:
** Water withdrawal and use permits Industrial wastewater management (Industrial Pretreatment Program/IPP), sewer discharge permitting, and surface water discharge permitting (e.g., NPDES, stormwater)
** Utility coordination and connection agreements
** Wetland and stream permitting/encroachment permits (e.g., Section 404/401 federally, Chapters 102/105 in PA)
** Consumptive use permits
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with AWS internal teams — including environmental, construction, engineering, real estate, legal, and operations — to provide water and wastewater permitting expertise that supports broader project permitting and infrastructure execution.
- Guide consultants and external partners to ensure accurate and timely preparation of permit applications.
- Help evaluate and mitigate permitting risks to keep infrastructure delivery on track.
Public Policy & External Engagement
- Support AWS Public Policy teams by providing regulatory expertise on proposed legislation and regulatory changes (rulemakings), including drafting technical briefings, public comments, and participating in stakeholder engagement processes.
- In partnership wtih Public Policy, represent AWS in meetings with government agencies, industry groups, and regulatory bodies.
- Contribute to the development of policy briefings, comment letters, and other advocacy/communications materials on water-related infrastructure issues.
Water Sustainability & Innovation
- Identify opportunities to advance AWS water sustainability goals through reuse, alternate sourcing, and decentralized treatment systems.
- Recommend innovative approaches to streamline permitting and regulatory engagement while ensuring environmental compliance.
About the team
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Planning, Law, Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years in water and/or wastewater permitting, regulatory compliance, or infrastructure planning, ideally involving industrial or utility-scale projects.
- Demonstrated experience working with state permitting agencies such as PA DEP, Ohio EPA, Maryland Department of the Environment, or Virginia DEQ.
- Familiarity with state or regional regulatory planning frameworks, such as Pennsylvania’s Act 537 or equivalents.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects across jurisdictions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain regulatory frameworks to both technical and non-technical audiences.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree in Environmental Policy, Public Administration, Environmental Law, Engineering, or related discipline.
- 15+ years supporting permitting and regulatory approvals for infrastructure or development projects, especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, or Virginia.
- Familiarity with the design, permitting, and operation of water treatment, cooling, and wastewater systems.
- Direct experience with public policy, regulatory engagement, or legislative analysis.
- Strong collaboration skills and comfort working in a cross-functional, fast-paced technical environment.
- Relevant certifications a plus (e.g., AICP, CPESC, PMP, REHS/RS).
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit
https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $133,100/year in our lowest geographic market up to $220,100/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit
https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.
