Senior Aquatic Ecologist / Environmental Permitting Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Aquatic Ecologist / Environmental Permitting Manager to lead environmental permitting, natural resource assessments, and regulatory compliance efforts for infrastructure, energy, utility, transportation, water resource, and development projects.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience supporting and obtaining federal, state, and local environmental permits, conducting aquatic resource evaluations, coordinating with regulatory agencies, and managing multidisciplinary project teams. This individual will serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor to clients navigating complex environmental permitting and compliance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Permitting & Agency Coordination
- Lead permitting strategies for complex development, infrastructure, utility, renewable energy, transportation, and water resource projects.
- Prepare, coordinate, and secure federal, state, and local environmental permits.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory agencies including:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- State environmental and wildlife agencies
- Manage agency consultations and permit compliance requirements throughout project lifecycles.
Aquatic Resources & Natural Resources Services
- Conduct and oversee:
- Wetland delineations
- Waters of the U.S. investigations
- Aquatic resource assessments
- Stream and wetland impact evaluations
- Threatened and endangered species surveys
- Critical habitat assessments
- Fisheries and aquatic ecology studies
- Develop avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies for natural resource impacts.
Environmental Documentation
- Prepare and review:
- Section 401 Water Quality Certification applications
- Section 404 Clean Water Act permit applications
- Section 402 permitting support documentation
- Section 10 Rivers and Harbors Act permits
- Biological Assessments and agency consultation packages
- Environmental Assessments (EA)
- Categorical Exclusions (CE)
- NEPA documentation
- Technical reports and environmental studies
Project Leadership
- Manage multidisciplinary teams of scientists, biologists, environmental specialists, and engineers.
- Oversee project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
- Mentor junior staff and support professional development.
- Participate in business development, proposal preparation, and client relationship management.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Planning, Water Resources, or related field.
- 10+ years of environmental consulting experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading federal environmental permitting efforts.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Clean Water Act (Sections 401, 402, and 404)
- Rivers and Harbors Act (Section 10)
- Endangered Species Act
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Experience coordinating with federal and state regulatory agencies.
- Proven technical writing and environmental documentation skills.
- Experience managing multiple projects and clients simultaneously.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.Â
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.Â
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.