Lead Project Manager - Environmental Planning

About the role

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a highly experienced, dynamic, self‑motivated Lead Project Manager – Environmental Planning. The role involves providing natural resources management, biological studies, and project management across multiple client sectors in the Gulf Coast and broader Southeast region. The Lead Resources Project Manager will drive projects through all phases—from early planning and permitting to construction—while collaborating with peers, supporting state and federal agencies, and delivering technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Strategically consult on and lead complex projects, overseeing technical approaches and ensuring quality assurance/quality control.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams delivering environmental planning, natural resources, cultural resources, and permitting services.
• Manage small to medium‑sized projects, tracking milestones, schedules, and budgets.
• Coordinate and support field surveys, Endangered Species Act compliance, NEPA support, and Clean Water Act Section 404/401 permitting.
• Act as regulatory and permit compliance liaison between agencies (e.g., FERC, FEMA, HUD, BLM, USACE) and clients.
• Provide peer review for technical reports and environmental permits, ensuring scientific and professional integrity.
• Collaborate with corporate accounting on invoices, expenditures, and project audits.
• Mentor and develop staff, fostering cross‑disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Establish and grow consultative relationships with external/internal clients, agency regulators, and industry partners.
• Implement and enforce SWCA’s safety procedures and ethical standards.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, field crews, trade workers, and clients.
• Travel periodically throughout the region to support client engagement, project oversight, and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including at least three years managing projects.
• Eight years of related experience; PMP certification preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor’s degree).
• At least five years of project management experience in a consulting environment, including proposal writing, scheduling, budgeting, change management, and leading client/agency meetings.
• Experience developing environmental permit applications for agencies such as FERC, BLM, USACE, and similar federal entities.
• Demonstrated client management, business development, and staff supervision abilities.
• First‑hand experience with agency consultations and providing informed responses to stakeholder input.

Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and technical writing abilities across professional settings.
• Proficiency in organizing, graphic communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of federal, tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Ability to manage project financials (budgets, forecasting, invoicing) and conduct project audits.

Pay

The expected pay range for this Houston, Texas‑based position is $87,141 – $114,660 per year, with actual pay varying based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other lawful factors. Eligible employees may also receive performance‑based bonuses.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) with profit sharing.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off and wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Competitive salaries and a team‑oriented work environment.

Application deadline: September 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM CDT.