Principal Natural Resources Team Lead

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Half Moon Bay, CA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Principal Natural Resources Team Lead for its Natural Resources Program in Half Moon Bay, California. This leadership role provides strategic, technical, and operational direction for multidisciplinary natural resources projects throughout Northern California, with emphasis on aquatic resources, waters permitting, federal and state Endangered Species Act permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory permitting strategy. The role oversees complex permitting and resource management projects across transportation, water resources, renewable energy, restoration, utilities, and land development. The Principal Natural Resources Team Lead serves as a senior technical advisor and consultant to clients, guiding permitting strategy, addressing regulatory challenges, and supporting high-quality project delivery. Responsibilities combine regulatory permitting expertise, project management, leadership, staff supervision, and business development. The role leads and mentors multidisciplinary teams, oversees project performance and financial success, develops client and regulatory relationships, and supports the growth of SWCA’s Natural Resources practice in the region. This is a full-time, regular, salaried/exempt position with benefits, based in SWCA’s Half Moon Bay office with a hybrid work arrangement. The position works closely with the Northern California Natural Resources Director, other Natural Resources leaders, project managers, and technical specialists. The expected annual pay range is $127,196.16 to $166,133.76; eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses. Candidates must submit a Letter of Interest and current resume. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may close once a strong candidate pool is established.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Ecology, or a related field; knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor’s degree.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in biological fieldwork, environmental consulting, and project management, including some experience managing others.
Experience developing and managing project budgets, schedules, and scopes of work from project initiation through final deliverables.
Demonstrated experience authoring or contributing to natural resources technical reports and environmental documentation for varied projects, agencies, and jurisdictions.
Technical expertise in biological resource studies, habitat assessments, special-status species surveys, or related natural resources disciplines.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including NEPA, CEQA, and ESA.
Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing technical direction to professional staff.
Ability to manage competing priorities, solve complex problems, exercise sound judgment, and drive projects to successful completion.
Ability to learn and apply company procedures, adapt to changing project needs, and implement new approaches or techniques as appropriate.
Submit a Letter of Interest and current resume for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Ecology, or a related field.
At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience.
Advanced expertise in one or more specialized biological resource disciplines, such as rare plant identification, aquatic resource delineation, special-status species subject matter expertise, or sensitive habitat assessments.
Experience preparing environmental documentation and permitting materials under NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CWA, the Coastal Zone Act, or related regulatory programs.
Experience in transportation, water, and land development.
Demonstrated business development success, including client relationship management, proposal development, and identification of new project opportunities.
Established professional relationships and experience working with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and clients in California and the Western United States.

Responsibilities

Manage team operations to improve efficiency and productivity, identify process improvements, and manage workload distribution and staffing adjustments.
Attract, recruit, develop, mentor, and retain staff; communicate team priorities and ensure accountability.
Lead complex projects, guide technical approaches, oversee quality assurance and quality control, and ensure project milestones and outcomes meet client expectations.
Provide technical expertise and consulting, develop project strategies, and support standards and practices aligned with industry and regulatory requirements.
Assess project risks and address problems; revise or recommend changes to project scopes, schedules, and budgets as needed.
Drive business growth through technical excellence, innovation, proposal development, and identification of business development opportunities; contribute to strategic planning.
Build and maintain consultative relationships with clients, agency regulators, industry partners, internal teams, and other stakeholders.
Lead the preparation and review of biological resources reports, biological assessments, wetland delineation reports, and biological resource sections of NEPA and CEQA documents.
Develop survey protocols and oversee field surveys for sensitive habitats and species, including focused, protocol-level, and pre-construction surveys.
Prepare and review permitting, compliance, and planning documentation associated with NEPA, CEQA, ESA, and the Clean Water Act.
Partner with the Northern California Natural Resources Director and regional staff to support team planning, growth, and operational objectives across the CALPAC region.
Provide project-specific technical direction and mentorship to Natural Resources project managers, technical staff, and field personnel.
Coordinate with Natural Resources staff, regional leadership, technical teams, and corporate support functions to promote effective communication and coordination.
Coordinate resources related to safety, equipment, training opportunities, and regulatory or research updates to support team readiness.
Represent SWCA in industry organizations and professional networks to expand client relationships and market presence.
Follow applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications; perform related work as assigned.