Lead Project Manager - Utility Permitting

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a qualified Lead Project Manager – Utility Permitting with strong interpersonal skills and experience in utility project permitting and project management to support natural gas, renewable energy generation, and electric transmission projects throughout the Northeast US.

This role will work with a dynamic company‐wide team to drive projects throughout all phases, from early planning and permitting through construction. The ideal candidate will have extensive environmental consulting and project management experience, preferably with knowledge of renewable energy generation, electric transmission, and gas transmission.

Reports to our MA office locations (Amherst or Southborough); a full‑time salaried position.

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 development of permitting strategies, QA/QC of work processes and deliverables, and leading teams completing technical studies that support permitting efforts.
• Assist the Midwest/Northeast regional VPs and Directors in the development, updating, and implementation of regional business plans.
• 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.
• 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 and 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, attending 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 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.

Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, wildlife management, or a closely related field.
• Eight 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.
• Experience in Massachusetts.
• Three years of experience managing projects, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work.
• Two years’ experience managing multidisciplinary staff to complete project permitting requirements and projects with renewable energy clients.
• Demonstrated experience with state agencies such as MA NHESP, CT NDDB, NH NHB, MA DEP, CT DEEP, NH DES, RI DEM.
• Demonstrated experience with federal agencies such as USFWS, EPA, 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.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, botany, wildlife management, or a closely related field.
• 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 close‑out.
• Experience in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and/or Maine. New York experience is a plus.

Salary and Benefits

In this Massachusetts‑based position, the annual salary range is $82,992.00 – $122,850.00. Employees are eligible for performance bonuses and are considered for SWCA’s total rewards package, including a 401(k) Profit‑Sharing Plan.

EEO Statement

EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. SWCA is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and to supporting equal opportunity.