Lead Project Manager

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding and looking for dynamic individuals to support the growing environmental planning technical team. The SWCA Salt Lake City natural resources team would welcome a Lead Project Manager -- Hydropower who is motivated to work in a team environment, serve as a technical expert for the Salt Lake City office and nationally throughout SWCA, manage challenging projects, pursue business development opportunities, and use their expertise to pursue a rewarding professional career.

Final date to receive applications:
Applications are due by 5:00 pm MST on 3/6/26.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 1,800 staff+, employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #Always Learning, we #Never Settle, and we #Give Back.

What you will accomplish

As a Lead Project Manager -- Hydropower, you will be responsible for leading complex hydropower licensing and environmental compliance projects within SWCA's growing hydropower service line. This role focuses on project management excellence, technical leadership, and client service, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality work products that meet regulatory requirements and client expectations.

Project Management and Client Leadership

Serve as project manager for hydropower licensing, amendment, exemption, compliance, and related environmental review projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.

* Lead multidisciplinary teams in the preparation of licensing documents (e.g., FERC, BOR); environmental assessments; environmental impact statements; implementation plans, technical studies; and federal, state, and local permitting documentation.

* Coordinate directly with clients and regulatory agencies to facilitate efficient project execution and maintain strong working relationships.

* Develop project execution plans, staffing strategies, and schedules that align with regulatory timelines and client objectives.

* Monitor project performance and proactively identify and address risks or challenges to maintain profitability and delivery excellence.

* Drive compliance with SWCA fieldwork safety policies to ensure overall team safety while also meeting reporting requirements.

Technical Leadership and Quality Assurance

* Provide technical oversight and direction for hydropower regulatory documentation and associated studies.

* Conduct thorough QA/QC reviews of deliverables prepared by team members and subcontractors to ensure technical accuracy and consistency with applicable regulations.

* Stay informed of changes in FERC and other relevant agency procedures, NEPA requirements, and related regulatory developments, and incorporate those updates into project planning and execution.

* Advise internal teams and clients on regulatory strategy and permitting pathways for hydropower projects.

Experience and qualifications for success

* Minimum of a Master's degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Ecology, or related field.

* Minimum of six to eight (6-8) years of experience in the water resources field in addition to university or graduate work required.

* Demonstrated experience serving as project manager on complex, multidisciplinary projects, including directing internal teams and subcontractors and maintaining budgets and schedules.

* Strong experience preparing or directing the preparation of FERC licensing documents and associated environmental compliance documentation.

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong organizational and budget management skills; and the ability to lead client and agency meetings effectively.

* Working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations including NEPA, FERC, FLPMA, CWA, ESA, NHPA, and the ability to develop and implement project execution plans that meet regulatory requirements.

* Familiarity with agency processes and procedures including FERC, BLM, USFS, BOR, NPS, and USFWS.

* Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining technical excellence and client satisfaction.

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree in environmental planning, environmental science, natural resources, or related field.

* Eight to Ten (8-10) or more years of hydropower regulatory consulting experience.

* Experience providing senior-level QA/QC oversight on licensing or relicensing efforts.

* Experience supporting proposal development and client capture strategies within the hydropower or renewable energy sectors.

SWCA is a 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among…