Regional Ecology Practice Lead

Join a growing environmental consulting firm that specialises in helping public and private sector clients navigate complex environmental challenges. The firm is recognised for delivering high-quality ecological, permitting, restoration, and natural resource solutions while supporting major infrastructure, energy, land development, and environmental improvement projects. This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping and expanding a well-established ecological practice.

Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana

The Regional Ecological Practice Lead will provide technical, operational, and strategic leadership for the firm's ecological consulting services while overseeing a local office and supporting regional ecological initiatives. This role combines project management, staff leadership, client development, and technical expertise across a diverse portfolio of ecological, permitting, restoration, and environmental compliance projects. The ideal candidate will bring deep regulatory and technical knowledge, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex projects while growing client relationships and mentoring environmental professionals.

• Lead ecological and environmental projects from proposal development through project completion
• Manage day-to-day office operations and support regional ecological initiatives
• Direct wetland delineations, habitat assessments, ecological surveys, restoration projects, and environmental permitting efforts
• Lead preparation and review of technical reports, work plans, permitting documents, and environmental studies
• Provide technical expertise related to NEPA, Clean Water Act permitting, threatened and endangered species, and other environmental regulations
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, resources, and deliverables
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level environmental staff
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, planners, scientists, and regulatory agencies
• Serve as a primary client contact and trusted advisor
• Support business development efforts through client relationship management, proposal preparation, and strategic growth initiatives
• Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, Soil Science, Geology, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in ecological consulting, natural resources, environmental permitting, or related disciplines
• Extensive experience with environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, including federal and state environmental regulations
• Strong knowledge of wetlands, aquatic resources, habitat assessments, and ecological restoration practices
• Experience managing complex environmental projects, budgets, and project teams
• Demonstrated success leading staff and mentoring technical professionals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing technical reports, proposals, work plans, and permitting documentation
• Valid driver's license and willingness to support occasional fieldwork as needed

• Advanced degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
• Experience supporting infrastructure, transportation, energy, utility, or land development projects
• Knowledge of NEPA, ESA, Section 401/404 permitting, wetland delineations, FERC-related projects, and ecological restoration programs
• Experience with mitigation banking, stream restoration, wetland restoration, or related ecological programs
• Existing client relationships and a demonstrated track record of business development success
• OSHA HAZWOPER certification or willingness to maintain required training

• Opportunity to lead and grow a regional ecological consulting practice
• Visible leadership role with influence over strategy, operations, and business development
• Diverse portfolio of ecological, permitting, restoration, and environmental compliance projects
• Collaborative and employee-focused consulting environment
• Strong mix of technical leadership, project management, and client engagement
• Competitive compensation: $120,000 - $200,000 base salary + bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities