Lead Environmental Scientist

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Salt Lake City, UT

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead Environmental Scientist for its Natural Resources program. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, the role supports biological studies, natural resource management, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance projects across transmission, mining, renewable energy, oil and gas, and ecological restoration. The position may be hybrid for candidates residing in Salt Lake City or remote for applicants based in Utah, with regional travel as project needs require. As a senior technical leader and subject matter expert, the Lead Environmental Scientist manages large and complex projects, guides technical approaches, reviews deliverables for quality, supports client relationships and business development, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams. The role includes mentoring staff, leading natural resources management and regulatory compliance work, coordinating with clients and agencies, and helping advance project opportunities and successful delivery. This is a regular, full-time, salaried/exempt position with benefits. Pay is based on qualifications and experience. SWCA is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing environmental services across the United States. Its stated values include collaboration, continuous learning, striving for improvement, and giving back to communities. The company describes its workplace as collaborative and team-focused, with opportunities to build long-term careers. The position requires work outdoors, including hiking over uneven terrain, carrying equipment, and working in varying or extreme weather conditions. Employees may encounter vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures. Domestic travel, including commercial airline travel, may be required. Applicants must be willing to participate in drug and alcohol screening when required by project or client requirements and, when driving is required, must hold a valid driver’s license and meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wetland Science, Plant/Soil Science, Ecology, or another related environmental science field; knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor’s degree.
At least six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others.
At least six years of experience in a private-sector consulting or regulatory-agency setting leading and overseeing natural resources fieldwork, technical reports, impact assessments, and environmental assessments.
Experience managing complex natural resources projects, permitting and regulatory compliance projects, environmental consulting, or ecological studies, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work.
Demonstrated experience working with federal agencies such as USFWS, BLM, USACE, FERC, or USFS, and/or Utah Trust Lands Administration and other state or local agencies in the Great Basin Sub-Region.
Experience with the flora and fauna of Utah and the Intermountain West.
Ability to travel as needed for client and agency meetings.
Ability to collaborate with junior-level through experienced environmental professionals.
Experience with client management and business development for regional natural resources services.
Willingness to participate in drug and alcohol screening as part of the pre-employment process when required by project or client requirements.
When driving is required, possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA driver requirements.
When travel is required, ability to obtain and maintain valid travel documents and identification required for work-related domestic travel.
Ability to perform outdoor work involving hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying or extreme weather conditions.
Ability to follow required safety procedures while working around vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Wetland Science, Biology, Plant/Soil Science, Ecology, or another related environmental science field.
Eight years of experience in a private-sector consulting or regulatory-agency setting leading and overseeing natural resources fieldwork, technical reports, biological assessments, impact assessments, and environmental assessments.
Current or prior Professional Wetland Scientist certification from the Society of Wetland Scientists or PMP certification.
Eight years of related experience is preferred, or an equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

Responsibilities

Strategically consult on and lead complex projects in pursuit of client objectives, overseeing technical approaches and quality assurance and control.
Lead by example in technical and interpersonal skills, balancing client and team priorities and meeting professional and oversight agency standards.
Develop and apply innovative standards, practices, and project strategies that improve quality, efficiency, and outcomes in alignment with industry and regulatory standards.
Serve as a technical expert and consultant, applying technical excellence while considering client needs and project requirements.
Guide projects and delegated tasks, ensure milestones are met, and align outcomes with SWCA values and client expectations.
Assess project risks and implement problem-solving strategies; revise or recommend revisions to scopes, schedules, and budgets as project requirements evolve.
Drive business growth and client success through technical excellence, innovation, and development of methods and standards; contribute to SWCA strategic planning.
Collaborate across disciplines and work with specialists to provide comprehensive technical support.
Mentor and coach staff in technical excellence, leadership, and strategy; develop specialized programs and protocols; foster cross-training, knowledge sharing, and team development.
Establish and grow consultative relationships with internal and external clients, agency regulators, and industry partners, as applicable.
Lead preparation and presentation of scientific and regulatory findings.
Follow applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
Perform related work as assigned.
Support biological studies, natural resource management, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance projects.
Manage complex natural resources projects, permitting and regulatory compliance projects, environmental consulting, or ecological studies, including budgets, schedules, and scopes of work from feasibility assessments through final reports or permit preparation.
Oversee natural resources fieldwork, technical reports, impact assessments, and environmental assessments.
Travel as needed for fieldwork, client and agency meetings, regulatory coordination, and project oversight.
Take responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans when applicable, anticipate hazards, and drive compliance with safety policies and reporting requirements.