Lead Project Environmental Planner (FERC/NEPA)

About the Opportunity SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding our team and actively looking for dynamic individuals who are following their passion in delivering the highest-quality project work. Our Houston, TX team is looking for a self‑motivated Project-Level Environmental Planner with project management experience (especially FERC), attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Individuals need to be willing and able to work with peers across various offices and accomplish tasks associated with a variety of projects in any given week. The ability to work directly with clients is imperative. The interest in pursuing new business is also desirable. The Project Level Environmental Planner will manage and support planning projects primarily in Houston and along the Gulf Coast. This is a full‑time, salaried, regular (with benefits) position that will report into our Houston, Texas office. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience. SWCA offers a team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a competitive benefits package, including an employee stock ownership retirement plan (ESOP). Houston and/or Baton Rouge‑area “hub” and hybrid work environments are desired. Remote work environments will only be considered for highly qualified candidates not local to Houston. Hiring Levels Associate Project Environmental Planner – Typically with at least five (5) years of relevant industry experience and expertise preferred. Project Environmental Planner – Typically with at least seven (7) years of relevant industry experience and expertise preferred. What you will accomplish The selected candidate will be responsible for performing environmental impact analyses, facilitating public and agency outreach, and providing quality assurance and leadership during the development of EAs and EISs. More senior positions will have greater independence and work on larger and more complicated tasks and projects. Specific Responsibilities Prepare and manage project scope, schedule, milestones, and budgets for federal, state, and private‑land projects. Manage projects and tasks related to biological resource assessments/constraints analyses; ESA consultation; CWA permitting (Sections 404/401); NHPA compliance; and other applicable regulatory requirements. Develop recommendations for mitigation measures, monitoring, environmental inspection/compliance, and resource‑specific permitting requirements. Provide QA/QC oversight of technical content to support project reporting, land use planning, NEPA documentation, permitting, and compliance deliverables. Provide technical oversight and guidance through key aspects of the NEPA process for a variety of agencies (e.g., FERC, FEMA, DOT), including pre‑NOI and project planning; proposed action and purpose‑and‑need development; document structure/content planning; public involvement/scoping; comment review/response; and decision documents (ROD, FONSI). Demonstrate leadership and professionalism; foster a collaborative, positive team environment and continuously improve procedures to deliver work effectively. Supervise, mentor, and instruct technical staff and field personnel; support development of individual and team capabilities (including impact analysis and document preparation skills). Coordinate and collaborate with clients, internal staff, subcontractors, and resource/regulatory agencies to obtain permits and authorizations and to support project delivery. Support business development and client relationship management with new and existing clients; contribute to business line growth objectives and the financial success of project activities. Drive a strong safety culture by implementing safety policies and reporting requirements; develop safety plans when applicable; and anticipate and address potential hazards for field components. Minimum Qualifications Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Planning, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or other related field required. Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise for an Associate Project Environmental Planner; five (5) years preferred. Minimum of two (2) years of project management experience in a consulting environment, including proposal writing, scheduling, budget management, change management, leading meetings with clients and agencies, directing project teams or tasks, and preparing or directing staff in the preparation of technical studies and NEPA documents. Demonstrated experience in the development of environmental permit applications and documents pertaining to the authorization of interstate natural gas facilities regulated by the FERC or other agencies, including Environmental Reports, Environmental Assessments/Environmental Impact Statements, and other relevant environmental plans and documents. Working knowledge of federal and state environmental procedures and regulations (i.e., NEPA, NHPA, CWA, and ESA) governing cultural and natural resource management. Experience with agencies such as: FERC, DOE, USACE, DOT, and/or similar state agencies, primarily in Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be able to meet SWCA’s driver requirements. Preferred or Helpful Qualifications Minimum of seven (7) years of project management experience in a consulting environment, including proposal writing, scheduling, budget management, change management, leading meetings with clients and agencies, directing project teams or tasks, and preparing or directing staff in the preparation of technical studies and NEPA documents. First‑hand experience in developing environmental permit applications and documents pertaining to the authorization of FERC‑regulated facilities, including projects that utilize FERC’s Pre‑filing Process. Established credibility with reviewing agencies and clients. Effectively engaged in resource agency consultations, received stakeholder/agency input and provided informed responses. Critical Skills and Attributes Excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; attention to detail; and organization. Exposure to natural and cultural resource issues for multiple service areas, including oil/gas, transportation, and renewables projects. Benefits Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience. Employee stock ownership retirement plan (ESOP). Health, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans. 401(k) profit‑sharing plan and trust. Professional development support including education reimbursement, conference attendance, and internal training. Opportunity for career advancement within a growing employee‑owned firm. Pay Range For a Project Environmental Planner position, the expected annual salary is $78,711 to $101,861. For an Associate Project Environmental Planner , the expected annual salary is $69,451 to $89,129. Actual pay may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law. Accommodation If you need assistance accessing our website, completing the online application, or require accommodations during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. Equal Opportunity Employer EEO - Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. SWCA Environmental Consultants celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success. #J-18808-Ljbffr SWCA, Incorporated