Principal Client Services Lead

SWCA Environmental Consultants • Cary, NC

17h • $59 - $82

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Principal Client Services Lead to support strategic growth initiatives in North Carolina and the Southeast region.
This role is designed for a highly experienced environmental professional who brings deep expertise in NEPA, environmental permitting, and regulatory strategy, along with a strong network and proven ability to support business development and client engagement efforts.
As an on-call team member, you will partner with regional leadership and technical teams on a flexible, as-needed basis, contributing to high-priority pursuits, client strategy, and complex projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Planning, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in environmental consulting or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in NEPA compliance and environmental permitting.
• Proven experience supporting or leading business development efforts and pursuits.
• Established relationships with federal, state, or local agencies and/or key clients.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to contribute at a high, advisory level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Planning, or related field.
• Experience with agencies such as DOE, USACE, USFWS, or NOAA Fisheries.
• Background in energy, infrastructure, water resources, or coastal/marine projects.
• Experience supporting or leading EIS-level NEPA analyses and complex regulatory coordination.
• Prior experience in a consulting or advisory capacity on a project-based or on-call basis.

Responsibilities

• Support business development and capture efforts for key opportunities in the Southeast region.
• Provide strategic guidance on pursuits, including positioning, teaming, and win strategies.
• Leverage existing relationships to help expand client networks with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Advise on and contribute to NEPA compliance strategies, permitting pathways, and regulatory positioning.
• Review and provide input on proposals, technical approaches, and client presentations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex projects, particularly those involving NEPA (EA/EIS), ESA consultations (Section 7) and/or Clean Water Act permitting (Sections 401/404).
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technical defensibility and quality of deliverables.
• Provide mentorship and insight to staff on client engagement and regulatory strategy, as needed.
• Represent SWCA in select client meetings, industry events, or strategy sessions, as appropriate.

Benefits

• SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services.
• SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.
• SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff.
• We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.
• EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
• At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment.
• We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply.
• We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees