Senior Ecologist Project Manager

Job Overview

Athena is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist | Project Manager to provide technical leadership and project management support within Athena's growing environmental team. This role combines advanced ecological knowledge with project management responsibilities, including proposal development, project planning, regulatory coordination, technical review, client communication, and staff mentoring.

PURPOSE

The Senior Ecologist | Project Manager is responsible for leading ecological investigations, managing environmental project delivery, and providing technical expertise to support successful project outcomes. This role combines advanced ecological knowledge with project management responsibilities, including proposal development, project planning, regulatory coordination, technical review, client communication, and staff mentoring.

Major Tasks

• Provide technical leadership for ecological assessments, wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, threatened and endangered species surveys, and other environmental studies.
• Serve as task lead or project manager for complex environmental and multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Prepare, review, and oversee ecological reports, technical memoranda, permitting documents, and regulatory submittals.
• Support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, including Environmental Assessments (EA) and related environmental compliance activities.
• Develop and implement regulatory strategies to support project permitting and environmental compliance.
• Career Development
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, staffing, and deliverables to ensure successful project completion.
• Review technical work products prepared by staff ecologists and provide quality assurance/quality control oversight.
• Support proposal preparation, client development, and strategic growth initiatives for Athena's ecological services.
• Mentor and develop junior environmental professionals through technical guidance, field training, and professional development.
• Promote Athena's commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Education and Experience

• Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of environmental consulting experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading ecological assessments and environmental permitting efforts.
• Strong technical knowledge of wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, and threatened and endangered species surveys.
• Working knowledge of the Clean Water Act, including Sections 401 and 404, with familiarity with Section 10 permitting.
• Experience preparing technical reports, regulatory documentation, and agency submittals.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying environmental conditions.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and communicate effectively with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or related discipline.
• Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) certification.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification or similar credential.
• Experience with stream restoration, aquatic resource restoration, or related certifications.
• Experience with compensatory mitigation and mitigation banking.
• Familiarity with regional and state environmental regulations.
• Established relationships with regulatory agencies.
• Experience supporting federal, transportation, energy, or large infrastructure projects.
• Experience with proposal development and business development activities.

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Companypaid life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Continuing education and certification support
• Retail plan

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.