Lead Environmental Scientist

SWCA 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.

• →Master’s degree in Wetland Science, Biology, Plant/Soil Science, Ecology or other environmental science related fields.
• →Eight (8) years of experience working in a private sector (i.e., consulting) or regulatory agency setting leading and overseeing the completion of natural resources fieldwork, technical reports, biological assessments, impact assessments, and environmental assessments.
• →Current or prior Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists or PMP certification.

Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures. 

Applicants must be willing to participate in drug and alcohol screening as part of the pre-employment process, when required by project or client requirements. 

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Salt Lake City, UT-based position is $81,120.00 to $105,996.80 per year. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.

As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact accommodations@swca.com or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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