Senior Project Manager - Natural Resources

About the opportunity:

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Senior Project Manager – Natural Resources to support and grow our work across North Carolina and the Southeast, with a strong focus on electric transmission, energy infrastructure, and FERC-regulated projects. This position can be based within driving distance of Charlotte or Raleigh, NC, and will follow a hybrid work schedule.

In this role, you will help expand SWCA’s presence in the region by pursuing and managing projects related to linear infrastructure, including electric transmission, energy generation interconnections, and other large-scale utility projects. You will work closely with clients, agencies, and internal teams to deliver natural resources services that support project planning, permitting, and compliance.

You will primarily assist clients with projects related to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other federal and state environmental regulations, particularly as they apply to electric transmission and FERC-regulated projects across the Southeast.

This is a full-time, exempt position with hybrid work options for candidates located within reasonable driving distance of Charlotte or Raleigh, North Carolina.

What you will accomplish:

• Manage and develop client relationships to support business development with oil and gas, electric utilities, transmission, and energy clients across North Carolina and the Southeast.
• Support and expand SWCA’s presence in linear infrastructure and electric transmission markets, including FERC-regulated projects.
• Network with regulatory agencies, utilities, and industry organizations to build and strengthen client relationships.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities, including pre-positioning efforts, leading pursuits and proposal development related to transmission, oil and gas, energy and large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Serve as a Project Manager for natural resources projects, particularly those involving linear corridors and transmission development.
• Coordinate closely with interdisciplinary teams supporting NEPA, permitting, and environmental compliance for large infrastructure projects.
• Manage the technical execution and financial performance of projects while maintaining strong client communication.
• Proactively manage project scope, schedule, and budget to ensure successful delivery.
• Prepare and provide technical oversight for biological resource reports, biological assessments, wetland delineations, permitting documents, and NEPA documentation supporting energy and transmission projects.
• Oversee field studies and biological surveys associated with linear corridors and utility infrastructure.
• Develop mitigation strategies, monitoring plans, and permitting approaches related to biological resources.
• Collaborate with SWCA teams across the Southeast to support regional growth in transmission and energy infrastructure projects.
• Support a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with safety policies during field efforts.

Experience and qualifications for success:

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Fish and Wildlife Science, or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental consulting, including project management, business development, and technical oversight.
• Demonstrated experience supporting linear infrastructure projects, such as electric transmission, pipelines, or other utility corridors.
• Experience with environmental permitting and compliance for large infrastructure or energy projects.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, including NEPA, ESA, and CWA.
• Experience coordinating with federal and state agencies such as USACE, USFWS, and FERC, as well as relevant North Carolina regulatory agencies.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary project teams and mentoring staff.
• Strong business development skills with the ability to build relationships with utilities, transmission developers, and energy clients.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.
• Experience supporting electric transmission or FERC-regulated projects in the Southeast.
• Familiarity with North Carolina regulatory environment, including coordination with state agencies and regional offices of federal agencies.
• Existing relationships with utilities, transmission developers, or energy clients in North Carolina or the Southeast.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges, all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA, we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA, we’re #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country, we’re proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. In alignment with this commitment, we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings. An employee in this Raleigh, NC-based position can expect a salary of $95,004.00 to $126,672.00/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package ( which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

We offer a supportive, team-focused work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits—including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future. At SWCA, we’re committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, our Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for qualifying publications. All regular-status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCA’s 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible, offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.

If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.