Natural Resources Team Lead - Oregon

About the opportunity

SWCA is seeking a qualified candidate for the role of Natural Resource Team Lead or Senior Natural Resource Team Lead for our Pacific NW Subregion. The final position title will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising and mentoring staff, pursuing project opportunities and new business, and managing projects and clients.

Applicants must have a depth of experience with the business environment and natural resource needs in the Pacific NW, as well as a strong understanding of typical natural resources surveys and permitting processes for the region. In addition, candidates are required to have familiarity with wildlife surveys and plant surveys, wetland permitting, and in-depth knowledge of state and county permitting requirements across the Pacific NW.

Experience with Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance is also essential. The Natural Resources Team Lead will provide direction to mid-level and junior staff and demonstrate excellent leadership behavior and professionalism while providing leadership at both the project and subregional team level. This position reports to the Natural Resources Director for the Pacific NW.

This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), salaried position. Hybrid work environments are encouraged for those based near Portland, or Corvallis OR. There is a strong preference that this individual sit in Oregon - a modest relocation bonus will be considered from strong candidates willing to relocate to Corvallis or Portland.

Qualified candidates must submit a Letter of Interest along with a current resume to be considered for the position.

We strongly encourage experienced team managers, as well as those with less experience who are excited to take the next step in their careers, to apply for this leadership position with SWCA.

Final date to receive applications:
Applicant submissions must occur before January 09, 2026.

The Natural Resources Team Lead will lead a team of natural resources staff through supervision, guidance, and mentoring to ensure team success with quality and timely consulting. The team lead will collaborate across the organization to develop work plans, priorities, and balancing team and individual workloads while fostering business opportunities within the Pacific NW market and adjacent areas. This will include working with the Pacific NW Directors, Pacific NW Team Leads, and professional staff throughout the Pacific NW sub-region to further our team and regional goals.

Specific expectations include:

• Supervising and mentoring project managers, technical staff, and field personnel, while promoting a culture of teamwork, engagement, quality service, and client satisfaction.
• Advising the Pacific NW Natural Resources Director on staff supervision, advancement, and course correction, as needed.
• Providing general support to the team relating to subject matter resources, training opportunities, regulatory and research updates, etc.
• Taking a leading role along with other team leads and directors in managing the schedule for the team, ensuring adequate coverage of project needs and appropriate assignments of staff to specific tasks, and identifying staffing shortfalls so that additional support can be sought either through subconsultants, staff from other offices, or hiring.
• Driving compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.
• Ensuring team compliance with performance management and training requirements; support the Pacific NW Natural Resources Director and the sub regional Vice President in tracking progress and follow-up with individual supervisors and staff members.
• Assisting teams by providing technical oversight and guidance for the preparation of key aspects of natural resources focused projects.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients while working with Pacific NW Natural Resources Director and other team leads to help develop strategy and help secure sales with new clients.
• Identifying and mitigating project challenges to avoid overruns and ensure profitability.

Required

• A minimum of a Bachelor's (B.A. or B.S.) degree in Biology, or related field.
• A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the natural resources industry.
• A minimum of three (3) years of natural resources (or related) project management experience, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work from pre-field tasks to final report preparation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field
• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the natural resources industry, with at least five (5) in environmental consulting.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising, mentoring, and providing leadership for other professionals.
• Demonstrated business…