Lead Restoration Engineer

About the Role

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Lead Restoration Engineer to support the ecological restoration group in Houston, TX. The role involves stream and wetland restoration, watershed management planning, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, erosion and sediment control plans, and resilience planning for private and public sector clients. Projects span sites throughout the South and other U.S. locations. The position is full‑time, regular (with benefits), salaried/exempt, and hybrid‑eligible from either the Houston, TX or Baton Rouge, LA offices, with consideration for qualified remote candidates. Travel and short‑term overnight field work are required.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Project Leadership – consult on and lead complex projects, oversee technical approach, and ensure quality assurance and quality control.
• Exemplary Leadership – lead by example in technical and soft skills, navigating client and team priorities to meet professional and agency standards.
• Technical Expertise & Innovation – innovate standards and practices, serve as a go‑to technical expert, and apply novel strategies aligned with client needs and regulatory standards.
• Project Accountability – guide projects, assess risks, implement problem‑solving strategies, and adjust scopes, schedules, and budgets as needed.
• Business Growth & Innovation – drive business growth and client success through technical excellence and development of new methods and standards.
• Cross‑Disciplinary Collaboration – champion collaboration with specialists to provide comprehensive technical support.
• Mentorship & Team Development – mentor staff, coach technical excellence and leadership, develop programs and protocols, and promote knowledge sharing.
• Relationship Management – establish and grow consultative relationships with external/internal clients, agency regulators, and industry partners.
• Executing and Delivering Projects Under Guidance – execute and deliver moderately complex engineering projects under senior oversight.
• Applying and Refining Established Practices – apply and refine standards and practices to enhance efficiency and quality, serving as a resource for the team.
• Compliance – follow applicable federal, tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in Texas or Louisiana, or ability to obtain via reciprocity.
• Six (6) years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in ecological restoration engineering, including some management experience.
• Prior work experience in Texas or Louisiana.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in civil or environmental engineering.
• Eight (8) years of related experience in ecological restoration engineering, or an equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.
• Completion of Wildland Hydrology short courses.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to participate in drug and alcohol screening when required by project or client.
• Valid driver’s license and compliance with SWCA’s driver requirements.
• Domestic travel, including commercial airline travel; ability to obtain and maintain necessary travel documents.
• Adherence to safety policies and reporting requirements.
• Work environment includes outdoor activities, hiking over uneven terrain, lifting 25–50 lb equipment, and exposure to varying/extreme weather, vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, and tools.

Pay

An employee in this Houston, TX‑based position can expect an annual salary of $111,001.80 – $142,549.68. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other lawful factors. Regular‑status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses.

Benefits

SWCA offers a competitive Total Rewards package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program, and participation in a 401(k) profit‑sharing plan.

Schedule

Full‑time, regular (exempt) position with hybrid eligibility from Houston, TX or Baton Rouge, LA offices; remote candidates may be considered. Travel and short‑term overnight stays are part of the role.