Lead Level Project Manager - Utility Permitting

About the opportunity SWCA Environmental Consultants is actively seeking a qualified Lead or Senior Project Manager - Utility Permitting with strong interpersonal skills and experience in utility project permitting and project management to join our team and primarily support natural gas, renewable energy generation, and electric transmission projects. Projects will be located throughout the Northeast US, with specific focus on the New England and New York area. This individual will work with a dynamic and company-wide team to successfully drive projects throughout all phases, from early planning and permitting through construction. The ideal candidate will possess extensive environmental consulting and project management experience, preferably with specific knowledge of renewable energy generation, electric transmission, and gas transmission. SWCA is looking for the right candidate to take on existing and future projects and help build our presence throughout the Northeast subregion. This role will report to our Scarborough Maine office but candidates can be distributed, preferably anywhere within the New England and New York area. This is a regular (with benefits), salaried, full-time position. This requisition can hire at two levels: Lead Project Manager – Typically with at least six (6) years of relevant industry experience and expertise; eight (8) years preferred. Senior Project Manager – Typically with at least eight (8) years of relevant industry experience and expertise; ten (10) years preferred. Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission. What you will accomplish Work closely with and lead project teams to navigate permitting challenges and meet client needs. Take initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are met effectively. Lead and advise on all aspects of project implementation, including the development of permitting strategies, provide QA/QC of work processes and deliverables, and lead teams completing technical studies that support permitting efforts. Assist the Midwest/Northeast (MWNE) regional VPs and Directors in the development/updating and implementation of regional business plan(s). Develop internal SWCA network via relationship‑building with peers and directors across the MWNE region. Engage with SWCA's Technical Director team to support quality initiatives, and development of policies & procedures in your areas of expertise. Attend & contribute to office Business Development meetings in the Northeast offices as appropriate. Contribute to the development of SWCA's regional team by supporting hiring and staff development. Engage with professional organizations, including attendance at conferences, trainings, and client‑led events on behalf of SWCA. Mentor regional staff – act as a technical advisor and quality control agent in areas of your particular expertise (especially regional permitting). Manage projects that include NEPA compliance, biological resource assessments and constraints analyses, state and federal Endangered Species Act consultations, Clean Water Act Section 404 and Section 401 permitting, state‑level siting permits, and state wetlands permits. Supervise, mentor, and provide project technical support to junior staff. Work closely with SWCA's resource scientists, environmental planners, managers, and directors in both natural and cultural resources groups throughout the company to promote SWCA's business interests in adherence to its mission, vision, and values. Drive compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety. Manage & support New‑England‑based projects, as well as other projects in the Northeast, mid‑Atlantic and beyond. Help develop existing and new clients in the energy marketplace, taking a lead role in key accounts. Experience and qualifications for success Minimum qualifications Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, wildlife management, or a closely related field. Lead Project Manager: Six (6) years of natural resources consulting experience on a variety of project types, sizes, and regions that include: energy facility siting and constraints studies, federal, state, and local permitting, NEPA compliance, and agency interactions at all levels. Three (3) years of experience managing projects, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work. Senior Project Manager: Eight (8) years of natural resources consulting experience on a variety of project types, sizes, and regions that include: energy facility siting and constraints studies, federal, state, and local permitting, NEPA compliance, and agency interactions at all levels. Four (4) years of experience managing projects, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work. Two (2) years' experience managing multidisciplinary staff to complete project permitting requirements and projects with renewable energy clients. Experience in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and/or Rhode Island. Demonstrated experience with state agencies such as state wildlife agencies (e.g. MA NHESP, CT NDDB, NH NHB, NY NHP), and state wetland agencies (e.g. MA DEP, CT DEEP, NH DES, RI DEM, NYSDEC). Demonstrated experience with applicable environmental state regulations (e.g., MEPA, SEQRA, CMRC policies). Demonstrated experience with federal agencies such as USFWS, EPA, NOAA, USACE, and FERC. Prior primary report authorship and finalization for clients and agencies in a natural resource consulting context for a variety of project types and sizes, regions, and agencies. Applicants must have valid driver's license and be able to meet SWCA's driver requirements. Preferred qualifications Master's degree in biology, botany, wildlife management, or a closely related field. Lead Project Manager: Eight (8) years of natural resources consulting experience on a variety of project types, sizes, and regions that include: energy facility siting and constraints studies, federal, state, and local permitting, NEPA compliance, and agency interactions at all levels. Three (3) years of experience managing projects, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work. Senior Project Manager: Ten (10) years of natural resources consulting experience on a variety of project types, sizes, and regions that include: energy facility siting and constraints studies, federal, state, and local permitting, NEPA compliance, and agency interactions at all levels. Five (5) years of experience managing projects, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work. Demonstrated established relationships with state regulators and key utility clients in the northeast. Demonstrated success managing large multi‑year utility projects through permitting, construction, and closeout. Experience in more than one of the northeast states. An employee in this position can expect an annual salary of: Lead Project Manager – $82,992/year to $109,200/year; Senior Project Manager – $95,000/year to $126,670/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular‑status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive benefits package, forward‑thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award‑winning career development, and more. We offer a supportive, team‑oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement). SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency. EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are 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 Environmental Consultants