Aquatic Studies Project Manager (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell's regional operation in Chicago is looking for a Project Manager to help continue to grow the aquatics group within our Environmental Services global practice. Burns & McDonnell is a 100% employee-owned firm ranked numerous times on FORTUNE's List of 100 Best Companies to Work For and voted as a Best Place to Work in cities across the United States.

The successful candidate will work with team members in conducting aquatic studies and compliance efforts for diverse clientele. The position will focus primarily on freshwater rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and other receiving waters and may include work involving Clean Water Act Sections 316(a), 316(b), 401, and 404; NPDES requirements; state water-quality standards; and the Endangered Species Act.

We are seeking a versatile and motivated professional with applied technical experience, team leadership abilities, project management and an interest in advancing and growing our aquatic, water-quality, and modeling services.

The Aquatic Studies Project Manager will work within our Environmental Services Global Practice and perform the following duties:

• Develop the scope of work, schedule, cost estimates, technical approach, and project specific quality and safety plans.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, risk, technical quality, client expectations, and project delivery.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Plan and lead aquatic field studies (e.g. fisheries, aquatic habitat, water quality, hydrographic) in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Prepare and provide quality control for study plans, technical memoranda, reports, permit applications, proposals, presentations, and regulatory submittals.
• Collaborate with wetland, wildlife, cultural resources, engineering, GIS, and permitting specialists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies with pre-application consultation, study plan development, responses to agency comments, and support during permit review.
• Conduct all work in compliance with company and site safety policies.
• Support business development through client relationships, proposal development, presentations, and identification of new aquatic, water-quality, and modeling opportunities.
• Compose high-quality technical reports and permit applications for various regulatory approvals.
• Stay abreast of developments relative to the discipline including relevant regulations, field and analytical techniques, and modeling practices.
• Develop and prepare technical proposals.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Fisheries, Ecology, Natural Resources or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of applicable professional experience conducting or managing aquatic studies.
• Previous project management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience planning or leading aquatic field studies.
• Experience with hydrographic, bathymetric, current-velocity, or water-quality surveys is preferred.
• Experience with thermal-discharge, mixing-zone, hydrodynamic, or water-quality modeling is preferred. Familiarity with CORMIX, EFDC+, Visual Plumes, or comparable models is a plus.
• Previous consulting and demonstrated client management or business development experience are preferred.
• Strong technical writing, research, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills with initiative to develop creative solutions to changing field conditions, regulatory issues, data limitations, or other project challenges.
• Willingness to assist multidisciplinary teams with related fieldwork such as wetland delineations, bird/bat surveys, endangered species habitat surveys, etc.
• Willingness to travel with irregular frequency.
• Must be willing to work independently effectively as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Must be proficient in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, field GIS applications, GPS/GNSS data collection, statistical software, or environmental data-management systems is preferred.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs and work outside during all types of weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license required.
• In addition, must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.