Lead Environmental Scientist

About the opportunitySWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead Environmental Scientist to join our Natural Resources program in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this role, you will support biological studies, natural resource management, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance (Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, etc.) projects across a diverse portfolio that includes transmission, mining, renewable energy, oil and gas, and ecological restoration initiatives.

As a senior technical leader, you will serve as a subject matter expert, manage large and complex projects, provide quality oversight and review for project deliverables, support key client relationships, proposals, and business development, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance project opportunities throughout the region.

Depending on project needs, this position may require travel within the region to support fieldwork, client engagement, regulatory coordination, and project oversight. You will work closely with clients, regulatory agencies, leadership, and technical staff to guide project direction, ensure technical excellence, and support successful project delivery.

This role offers the opportunity to mentor staff, lead natural resources management and regulatory compliance efforts, and play a key role in advancing projects and client success.

This is a regular (with benefits), full-time, salaried/exempt opportunity based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience. This position is hybrid-eligible for candidates residing within Salt Lake City, Utah, or distributed (= remote) for applicants based in Utah.

Final date to receive applications:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

What you will accomplish

Strategic Project Leadership:
Strategically consults on and leads complex projects in pursuit of client objectives, overseeing the technical approach and ensuring quality assurance and quality control.

Exemplary Leadership:
Leads by example in both technical and soft skills, navigating client and team priorities to deliver projects that meet professional and oversight agency standards.

Technical Expertise &

Innovation: Innovates standards and practices to enhance the quality and efficiency of client projects and outcomes, ensuring alignment with industry and regulatory standards. Serves as a go-to technical expert and consultant, providing novel project strategies and applying technical excellence that considers client needs to meet project requirements.

Project Accountability:
Continuously guides projects, executing accountability for the performance of projects or delegated tasks and ensuring that project milestones are met and outcomes align with SWCA’s values and client expectations. Assesses risks and implements strategies for problem-solving. Revises or suggests revisions to project scopes, schedules, and budgets as necessary to meet evolving project requirements and ensure successful outcomes.

Business Growth &

Innovation: Drives business growth and client success through technical excellence, innovation, and development of new methods and standards that advance SWCA's technical reputation. Contributes to SWCA's strategic planning.

Cross-Disciplinary

Collaboration:

Champions cross-disciplinary collaboration, working closely with specialists to provide comprehensive technical support for projects.

Mentorship & Team Development:
Mentors staff for impactful influence, coaching others in technical excellence, leadership, and strategy, and also develops specialized programs and protocols. Fosters team development and cross-training, modeling and promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration among team members to enhance project outcomes, as well as team depth and redundancy.

Relationship Management:
Establishes and grows effective consultative relationships with external and internal clients and/or agency regulators and industry partners (if applicable) to support successful projects.

Publishes and Presents Findings:
Leads the preparation and presentation of scientific and regulatory findings, contributing to the body of knowledge and enhancing SWCA's reputation in the field.

Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and…