Lead Wetland Scientist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an employee-owned company of environmental professionals who specialize in natural and cultural resource management, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance. We are seeking a highly experienced, self-motivated Senior Wetlands/Environmental Project Manager to grow and expand our wetland services within the Pacific Northwest. This is an opportunity to join a robust wetland program with a positive and supportive team. This position also offers great opportunities for career growth.

The successful candidate will possess:

• strong existing client contacts in multiple business lines (e.g., energy and utilities, land development, transportation, water resources, and federal, state, and local agencies),
• a proven track record of creating and developing new business opportunities,
• a history of successfully managing projects, and
• a self-motivated, can-do attitude.

This Project Manager will have expertise in all aspects of wetland permitting, SEPA/NEPA, and project management for energy and other development projects. Experience in specialty areas including Local Wetlands Inventories and Section 404/401 permitting is highly valued. Skills include the ability to manage projects and milestones within schedule and budget expectations and primarily be responsible for QA/QC oversight of field data to support report-writing, permitting, and assist with business development to grow our practice.  The ideal applicant will be experienced in managing multiple components with multidisciplinary staff to complete project permitting requirements.  This is a regular, full-time position, and the applicant should be located in, or be willing to relocate to the Portland, Oregon area. We offer hybrid work model with most of our team working two to three days in the office.

What you will accomplish

• Conducting all aspects of wetland projects including: wetland and waters determination, delineation, reporting, functional assessment, permitting, mitigation planning and design, and monitoring
• Preparing written documents, including wetland and waters determination and delineation reports
• Preparing wetland removal/fill permit applications
• Coordinating agency review of wetland permit applications
• Conducting business development and marketing geared toward positioning SWCA to win projects
• Expanding SWCA’s professional relationship with existing clients
• Assisting in strategic planning and positioning of SWCA’s services
• Mentoring junior staff
• Field data collection and report writing in support of Natural Resources Site Assessments of Vegetated Corridors under Clean Water Services and Water Environment Services regulations

Experience and qualifications for success

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or other related field
• A minimum of eight (8) years combined experience in project management, environmental consulting, or ecological, studies
• Pacific Northwest botany skills
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification obtained through the Society of Wetland Scientist’s Professional Certification Program, or demonstrated progress to obtaining Professional Wetlands Scientist (PWS) certification through the Society of Wetland Scientist’s Professional Certification Program with the ability to be certified within a year
• Proven track record of creating and developing new business opportunities
• Experience and ability to manage multiple complex projects and programs, in diverse settings and with changing requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in disciplines mentioned above.
• Candidate should have an extensive working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and policies (e.g., NEPA, SEPA, CWA, removal/fill permits, and land use applications) governing natural resource management
• Desire to thrive in a highly collaborative team atmosphere
• Additional Information:
• Must be able to use GPS units and computer software with minimal assistance or training.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability and willingness to travel (i.e., must be able to travel, sometimes upon short notice, and for extended periods) and work in varying weather conditions.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

Employees in this position are eligible for consideration for SWCA’s annual bonus program, which provides awards based on individual and organizational performance. To review additional benefits associated with this position, click here: https://www.swca.com/careers/totalrewards/benefits

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees.  In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Portland, OR-based position can expect a salary of $81,900 – $107,016/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law.  Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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