Natural Resources Department Manager

Environmental Department ManagerAs an Environmental Department Manager, you lead your team and the department's operations, technical execution, and financial performance, equally comfortable in steel toed boots in the field or in high level client meetings. Environmental geologists, engineers, and project managers look to you for technical mentoring and client relationship building, and you set a high bar while bringing others along with you. You're accountable for project delivery, staff development, client satisfaction, and business growth, and in return you'll have all the career growth opportunity you're looking for.ResponsibilitiesLeadership & People ManagementDirectly leads engineers, Project Managers, technicians, and support staffOwns performance management, coaching, career development, and succession planningBuilds a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative team cultureLeads recruiting, hiring, and retention strategiesDevelops future leadersBuilds and maintains an effective department structure aligned with departmental workload, growth objectives, and service offeringsCommunicates branch, subsidiary, and corporate initiatives to staff and supports their implementation at the local levelTechnical & Project OversightEnsures quality, consistency, and technical excellence across all department projectsOversees project execution through delegation to Project Managers and technical leadersProvides escalation support for complex or high-risk projectsEnsures projects meet standards for safety, quality, schedule, and budgetAligns with Associate Principals/Principals on final technical review where requiredMaintains awareness of industry standards, codes, and best practicesSupports the development and improvement of technical practices, training programs, and initiativesCoordinates with leadership to align technical practices and resource utilizationFinancial & Operational ManagementOwns department P&L performance (revenue, margin, utilization, backlog)Develops and manages departmental budgets and forecastsMonitors KPIs and drives performance improvementOversees invoicing, collections, and contract executionManages staffing levels and workload planning for efficiency and growthEnsures compliance with company policies, procedures, and risk controlsClient & Business DevelopmentLeads client relationship management and department growth strategyDevelops new business opportunities and expands key client accountsOversees proposal development, pricing strategy, and scope definitionRepresents the firm in external meetings, networking, and industry engagementDrives sustained revenue growth and market presenceSafety, Compliance, & AlignmentPromotes and enforces a strong safety cultureEnsures compliance with regulatory standards and company proceduresDrives quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, innovation, and operational excellenceCollaborates with other departments and office leaders to share resources, expertise, and best practicesAligns departmental objectives with office, subsidiary, and company strategiesParticipates in leadership meetings, company initiatives, and committees as requestedQualificationsRequired Qualifications6 years of related experienceBachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or other Engineering degree applicable to Environmental Consulting, Natural or Environmental Science, Geology, or other degree relevant to the practice of Environmental ConsultingIf driving for, or on behalf of, any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is requiredStrong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skillsAdvanced understanding of engineering consulting operations and project executionStrong financial acumen (P&L, budgeting, forecasting, KPIs)Ability to manage multiple teams, priorities, and deadlinesStrong problem-solving and decision-making capabilityClient-focused mindset with demonstrated business development successProficiency in construction materials testing principles and regional conditionsAbility to build, lead, and scale high-performing teamsMilitary QualificationsThe following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":E-6/E-7/O-2/O-3About UsECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.