Principal Environmental Project Manager

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Principal Environmental Project Manager to help expand their presence in Arkansas and strengthen relationships with local businesses and communities. The role involves leading significant natural resources projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring emerging professionals while supporting clients with complex environmental requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage client relationships, leading business development efforts with both new and existing clients
• Expand SWCA’s presence by networking with agencies and industry organizations to grow the state and regional client base in environmental planning, permitting, and natural resource services
• Identify and assess sales opportunities, oversee proposal development, and provide strategic recommendations to leadership overseeing Arlington operations
• Lead and manage natural resource projects, ensuring successful execution from initiation to completion
• Monitor team utilization and balance workloads to maintain efficiency and productivity
• Oversee the technical execution and financial performance of natural resource projects, ensuring effective coordination with clients and regulatory agencies
• Proactively manage project scope, schedule, and budget to prevent cost overruns and ensure deliverables meet quality standards
• Provide technical oversight and prepare reports, including biological resources reports, biological assessments, wetland reports, National Environmental Policy Act documentation, and other natural resources project deliverables related to the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and other regulatory, permitting, and compliance requirements
• Drive compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Fish & Wildlife Science, Archaeology, or a closely related discipline
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental consulting, with a strong track record in project leadership and business development
• Minimum of five (5) years managing complex projects, including oversight of budgets, timelines, deliverables, and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of state-specific environmental regulations and permitting processes
• Comprehensive knowledge of key environmental regulations, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and related federal, state, and local laws
• Hands-on experience conducting environmental fieldwork, coordinating permitting strategies, and executing on-the-ground project implementation
• Proven success as a 'seller/doer,' with the ability to build client relationships, secure project opportunities, and deliver high-quality consulting services
• Twelve (12) years or more of progressively responsible experience in environmental consulting, with a strong track record in project leadership and business development
• Strong background in project management of electrical transmission projects