Lead Environmental Scientist

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Salt Lake City, UT

7d•$81,120 - $105,997•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead Environmental Scientist for its Natural Resources program 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. It is a regular, full-time, salaried/exempt position that is hybrid-eligible for candidates residing in Salt Lake City or remote for applicants based in Utah. Regional travel may be needed for fieldwork, client engagement, regulatory coordination, and project oversight. As a senior technical leader and subject matter expert, the Lead Environmental Scientist manages large and complex projects, oversees technical approaches and quality, and supports client relationships, proposals, and business development. The role collaborates with clients, agencies, leadership, and technical staff; mentors employees; and leads natural resources management and regulatory compliance efforts. The position is based in Salt Lake City, and pay depends on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wetland Science, Plant/Soil Science, Ecology, or a related environmental science field; equivalent combinations of experience, performance, training, and education may be considered.
Six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others.
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 from feasibility assessments through final reports or permit preparation.
Demonstrated experience with federal agencies such as USFWS, BLM, USACE, FERC, 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- through senior-level 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 pre-employment when required by project or client requirements.
When driving is required, a valid driver’s license and compliance with SWCA’s driver requirements are required.
When travel is required, ability to obtain and maintain valid travel documents and identification for work-related 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 work around vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following safety procedures.
At lead level, drive compliance with safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.

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.

Responsibilities

Lead and provide technical oversight for complex projects, including quality assurance and quality control of deliverables.
Guide project performance, milestones, risk management, and problem-solving; recommend changes to scopes, schedules, and budgets as requirements evolve.
Provide technical expertise and develop or improve standards, practices, methods, and project strategies.
Support business growth, client success, strategic planning, proposals, and business development.
Collaborate across disciplines with specialists and technical teams.
Mentor and coach staff, develop specialized programs and protocols, and promote cross-training and knowledge sharing.
Build consultative relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, industry partners, and internal stakeholders.
Lead preparation and presentation of scientific and regulatory findings.
Follow applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
Travel as needed for fieldwork, client and agency meetings, regulatory coordination, and project oversight.
Perform related work as assigned.