Natural Resources Project Manager

ACRT Services•State College, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Natural Resources Project Manager is responsible for completion of wetland and stream projects and general threatened and endangered species project work from initial assessment through final project stage which may include permitting or agency coordination. This position combines technical skills for wetland, stream, and rare species evaluation and project management. Responsibilities include conducting field surveys, delineating aquatic resource boundaries, surveying for rare species habitat, biomonitoring, collecting and analyzing environmental data, preparing technical reports, and coordinating regulatory permitting. Project management responsibilities include developing and maintaining client relationships, proposal preparation, invoicing, and coordination of resources to complete projects within the required budget and schedule. Projects managed in this role may include tasks under multiple practice areas. This role requires close coordination with clients, project teams, and regulatory agencies, as well as mentoring and supporting junior staff. Fieldwork involves wetland and stream delineations, functional assessments, rare species habitat surveys, and monitoring ecological health in diverse and challenging environments. The components of this job include field survey work and technical reporting focused on aquatic biology, wetland delineation and stream evaluation, rare species surveys, monitoring water quality, analyzing aquatic and terrestrial habitats, reviewing habitat and biomonitoring for rare species, completing field forms and reporting, producing and communicating results and guiding clients through permitting processes. Requirements of this position include but are not limited to proposal preparation, field work, data management, technical report writing, and other natural resources services. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field of study (Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, or related field).
Experience: Minimum 3+ years wetland delineation and rare species survey field experience; minimum 1+ years managing projects and/or clients in environmental consulting; required USACE 40-hour Wetland Delineation Training certification.
Ability to independently delineate wetlands using the 1987 USACE Manual and current Regional Supplements.
Proficiency in plant identification, including keying species; knowledge of state wetland and stream assessment methods as applicable.
Experience with soil classification, QGIS, and GPS/GIS mapping.
Demonstrated success in preparing and submitting Section 404/401 permit applications in various USACE districts and states.
Demonstrated success in preparing and submitting PADEP Chapter 105 General Permit Registrations and Joint Permit Applications.
Strong technical report writing and verbal communication skills.
Ability to read and interpret resource maps and engineering drawings.
Experience coordinating with agencies on environmental, floodplain, and historic/archaeological matters.
Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
Willingness and ability to travel overnight as needed.

Nice To Haves

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field of study (Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, or related field)
Experience: 3+ years wetland delineation field experience, managing projects and/or clients in environmental consulting within Pennsylvania and New York, and USACE 40-hour Wetland Delineation Training certification.
Experience conducting rare/threatened/endangered species habitat surveys; additional expertise in fisheries, herpetology, or amphibians beneficial.
Hold necessary permits to conduct surveys and biomonitoring for threatened or endangered reptile or amphibian species in Pennsylvania or other states.

Responsibilities

Conduct wetland delineations, stream assessments, rare species surveys, terrestrial surveys, and functional assessments independently.
Identify and delineate wetland and stream boundaries; classify wetland and stream quality by utilizing regional USACE manuals and state functional assessments.
Collect and record field data on soils, water, vegetation, and wildlife; use GPS/GIS tools to map and document site conditions.
Perform habitat assessments for rare, threatened, and endangered species.
Work in all weather conditions and varied terrain throughout the year.
Prepare technical reports and survey results.
Determine permitting requirements and coordinate with client on permitting strategies for projects with potential impacts to wetlands, streams, and listed species.
Prepare, submit, and coordinate with regulatory agencies regarding environmental, floodplain, rare species, and historic/archaeological resource matters including but not limited to USACE Nationwide Permit Program, Individual Permit, applicable state permitting agencies for wetland and stream impacts or listed species, and USFWS for endangered species coordination.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local wetland and stream regulations.
Prepare and submit proposals to existing and new clients.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deliverables meet scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
Independently prepare technical reports, permit documents, and supporting regulatory correspondence.
Communicate project progress, findings, and recommendations to clients and stakeholders.
Assist with proposal development and client discussions to secure new work.
Mentor junior staff in survey techniques, regulatory processes, technical writing, and project management.