Environmental Compliance Senior Project Manager / Principal

ECS Ltd•Chantilly, VA

About The Position

ECS is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager with a path to Principal to lead and grow its Environmental Compliance practice, centered in Virginia and expandable across the Mid-Atlantic. The role combines hands-on technical compliance expertise with business development, client relationship building, team mentorship, and practice leadership. The successful candidate will lead projects while helping shape the practice’s strategy and expand its services. The position focuses on air permitting, SPCC plans, and SWPPPs, along with related compliance programs. The role oversees project execution, quality, budgets, and schedules; supports and develops staff; and works with firm leadership to set goals and track practice performance. The expected pay range is $80,000–$120,000 per year, with final compensation based on location and individual qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Chemical Engineering, or a related environmental discipline.
At least 7 years of environmental compliance experience, including direct experience with air permitting, SPCC, and SWPPP programs.
Demonstrated experience managing client relationships and/or supporting business development.
Prior experience mentoring or supervising junior staff.
Strong technical foundation in air permitting, SPCC, and SWPPP compliance, with judgment to lead complex, multi-site programs.
Genuine interest in business development and strategic planning in addition to technical delivery.
Track record of building and leading teams, with a mentoring mindset.
Entrepreneurial outlook and ideas for potential growth in the practice’s service offerings.
Comfort operating at both the technical, detailed level and the strategic, client-facing level.
Military rank E-7 may qualify if the candidate also meets the stated education and license requirements.

Nice To Haves

Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Professional Engineer (PE) license, Professional Geologist (PG) license, or comparable professional certification.

Responsibilities

Lead environmental compliance projects from scoping through delivery.
Grow the compliance service line, including its revenue, client base, and breadth of offerings.
Lead air permitting efforts, including Title V, NSR/PSD, and state minor-source permits, from application through agency negotiation.
Prepare, implement, and audit Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans.
Direct Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) development, field inspections, and reporting.
Serve as a technical resource on related programs, including SPCC/FRP, RCRA, and multimedia compliance audits.
Coordinate with state and federal regulators to resolve compliance issues and help clients stay ahead of enforcement risk.
Review technical reports, permits, and compliance documentation as appropriate.
Identify and pursue new compliance work with existing and prospective clients.
Build and maintain client relationships that lead to repeat and expanded engagements.
Develop proposals, scopes, and fee estimates that win work and protect margins.
Help identify and establish new or adjacent service offerings for the compliance practice.
Represent ECS at industry associations, agency meetings, and client events.
Lead, mentor, and grow a team of compliance-focused project managers and staff.
Oversee project execution, quality, budgets, and schedules across the practice.
Build internal training and career paths to strengthen the practice’s bench depth.
Collaborate with firm leadership to set goals and track performance for the compliance practice.