Principal Natural Resources Team Lead

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Principal Natural Resources Team Lead to join our Natural Resources Program in Half Moon Bay, California. In this leadership role, you will provide strategic, technical, and operational direction for multidisciplinary natural resources projects throughout  Northern California, with a primary focus on aquatic resources, waters permitting, federal and state Endangered Species Act (ESA) permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory permitting strategy.

As a principal leader within the program, you will oversee complex permitting and resource management projects across transportation, water resource, renewable energy, restoration, utility, and land development sectors. You will serve as a senior technical advisor and trusted consultant to clients, guiding permitting strategy, navigating regulatory challenges, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality project outcomes.

This role combines regulatory permitting expertise, project management, leadership, staff supervision, and business development responsibilities. You will lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, oversee project performance and financial success, cultivate key client and regulatory relationships, and help drive the continued growth of SWCA's Natural Resources practice throughout the region.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of managing complex natural resources and permitting projects, developing and growing client relationships, leading high-performing teams, and securing new business opportunities. Experience developing permitting strategies and obtaining authorizations under federal, state, and local environmental regulations is highly valued.

This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), salaried/exempt, hybrid opportunity based out of our Half Moon Bay, California office. You will work closely with the Northern California Natural Resources Director, other Natural Resources leadership, project managers, and technical specialists to support project delivery, client engagement, business growth, and long-term regional success.

• →Lead the preparation and review of biological resources reports, biological assessments, wetland delineation reports, and biological resource sections of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents.
• →Develop survey protocols and oversee field surveys for sensitive habitats and species, including focused, protocol-level, and pre-construction surveys.
• →Prepare and review permitting, compliance, and planning documentation associated with the NEPA, CEQA, ESA, and Clean Water Act (CWA).
• →Partner with the Northern California Natural Resources Director and regional staff to support Natural Resources team planning, growth, and operational objectives across the CALPAC region.
• →Provide project-specific technical direction and mentorship to Natural Resources project managers, technical staff, and field personnel.
• →Serve as a liaison between Natural Resources staff, regional leadership, other technical teams, and corporate support functions to promote effective communication and coordination.
• →Support team readiness by coordinating resources related to safety, equipment, training opportunities, and regulatory or research updates.
• →Lead proposal development efforts and evaluate business development opportunities in support of regional growth objectives.
• →Represent the organization through participation in industry organizations and professional networks to expand client relationships and market presence.

Ten years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others. Twelve years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education. Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree.

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Ecology, or a related field.
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in biological fieldwork, environmental consulting, and project management, including development and management of project budgets, schedules, and scopes of work from project initiation through final deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience authoring or contributing to natural resources technical reports and environmental documentation for a variety of projects, agencies, and jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in biological resource studies, habitat assessments, special-status species surveys, or related natural resources disciplines.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including the NEPA, CEQA, and ESA.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, or providing technical direction to professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, solve complex problems, exercise sound judgment, and drive projects to successful completion.
• Ability to learn and apply company procedures, adapt to changing project needs, and implement new approaches or techniques as appropriate.

• Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Science, Ecology, or a related field.
• Minimum twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience.
• Advanced expertise in one or more specialized biological resource disciplines, such as rare plant identification, aquatic resource delineation, special-status species subject matter expert, or sensitive habitat assessments.
• Experience preparing environmental documentation and permitting materials under NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CWA, Coastal Zone Act, or related regulatory programs.
• Experience in transportation, water, and land development is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in business development, including client relationship management, proposal development, and identification of new project opportunities.
• Established professional relationships and experience working with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and clients within California and the Western United States.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Half Moon Bay, CA-based position is $127,196.16 to $166,133.76 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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