Ecology Practice Lead
Job Title
Ecology Practice Lead
Company Description
Join a growing environmental consulting firm that specializes in helping public and private sector clients navigate complex environmental challenges. The firm is recognized for delivering high-quality ecological, permitting, restoration, and natural resource solutions while supporting major infrastructure, energy, land development, and environmental improvement projects. This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping and expanding a well-established ecological practice.
Location
Michigan (Hybrid flexibility available)
Role Summary
The Ecology Practice Lead will provide technical, operational, and strategic leadership for the firm's ecological consulting services while overseeing a local office and supporting regional ecological initiatives. This role combines project management, staff leadership, client development, and technical expertise across a diverse portfolio of ecological, permitting, restoration, and environmental compliance projects.
The ideal candidate will bring deep regulatory and technical knowledge, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex projects while growing client relationships and mentoring environmental professionals.
Responsibilities
- Lead ecological and environmental projects from proposal development through project completion
- Manage day-to-day office operations and support regional ecological initiatives
- Direct wetland delineations, habitat assessments, ecological surveys, restoration projects, and environmental permitting efforts
- Lead preparation and review of technical reports, work plans, permitting documents, and environmental studies
- Provide technical expertise related to NEPA, Clean Water Act permitting, threatened and endangered species, and other environmental regulations
- Oversee project budgets, schedules, resources, and deliverables
- Mentor and develop junior and mid-level environmental staff
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, planners, scientists, and regulatory agencies
- Serve as a primary client contact and trusted advisor
- Support business development efforts through client relationship management, proposal preparation, and strategic growth initiatives
- Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, Soil Science, Geology, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in ecological consulting, natural resources, environmental permitting, or related disciplines
- Extensive experience with environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, including federal and state environmental regulations
- Strong knowledge of wetlands, aquatic resources, habitat assessments, and ecological restoration practices
- Experience managing complex environmental projects, budgets, and project teams
- Demonstrated success leading staff and mentoring technical professionals
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience preparing technical reports, proposals, work plans, and permitting documentation
- Valid driver's license and willingness to support occasional fieldwork as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
- Experience supporting infrastructure, transportation, energy, utility, or land development projects
- Knowledge of NEPA, ESA, Section 401/404 permitting, wetland delineations, FERC-related projects, and ecological restoration programs
- Experience with mitigation banking, stream restoration, wetland restoration, or related ecological programs
- Existing client relationships and a demonstrated track record of business development success
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification or willingness to maintain required training
What's in it for You
- Opportunity to lead and grow a regional ecological consulting practice
- Visible leadership role with influence over strategy, operations, and business development
- Diverse portfolio of ecological, permitting, restoration, and environmental compliance projects
- Collaborative and employee-focused consulting environment
- Strong mix of technical leadership, project management, and client engagement
- Competitive compensation: $100,000 - $180,000 base salary + bonus potential
- Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities
How to Apply
Apply directly or send your resume with the subject line: Ecology Practice Lead. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
FAQs
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