Manager Environmental Impact Assessment Jobs in Riverside, IL

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Environmental/ Ecological Project Manager & Office Lead to guide and manage our local environmental operations and our regional environmental/ ecological needs.

The primary focus of this position’s duties and responsibilities is on the technical aspects of diverse environmental and ecological projects. This individual provides principal project support activities, including work plan and proposal preparation, project resource management and scheduling, deadline tracking, budget evaluation and analysis, and technical editing and report finalization. This position also requires a local to regional field presence, while also including national presence on a large Ecological Team. The position requires daily management of project/site assigned staff. Under limited supervision, the Principal Environmental/ Ecological Project Manager & Office Lead plans, executes, supervises, and documents field aspects of highly complex ecological projects (permitting, ecological restoration, delineations, determinations, NEPA, etc.), support environmental remediation, and support construction observation, to include all aspects of post remediation ecological restoration, mitigation banking, nutrient banking, permitting, permitting support, reporting, etc. The individual in this position must be a multi-tasked, detail-oriented team player, and possess excellent skills in verbal and written communications, time management, organizational management, problem solving, decision making, and leadership. Applicants in the greater Chicago, Illinois area are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategic planning and growth of ecological services
• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the local office
• Oversee regional ecological assessments, surveys, and environmental impact studies
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to staff
• Ensure high-quality project delivery, on time and within budget
• Develop and maintain client relationships and support business development
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, policies, and best practices
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on infrastructure and land-use projects

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Ecology, Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Geology or related discipline
• 15+ years of professional ecological (required) Extensive knowledge in 401/404 permitting, WOTUS Delineations, CWA, NEPA, ESA/T&E species, FERC, etc.) or other similarly aligned ecological disciplines- Stream Restoration, wetland restoration or other restoration discipline a plus
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing projects
• Strong knowledge of ecological laws, legislation and regulatory frameworks
• Experience with field surveys, habitat assessments, and reporting
• Interacts with other project support services (technical services, professional, engineering, administrative) and subcontractors to ensure all resources are in place for proper fieldwork execution
• Mastery knowledge of applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to all field activities and relevant regulatory programs and the willingness to learn and master other state regulatory programs as necessary
• Acts as the primary author for site work plans, proposals, and reports for highly complex scopes of work, including permits, NEPA/FERC documents, delineation reports, ecological restoration plans, compensatory migration plans and strategies, etc.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Adheres to client contract specifications in all field-related activities and informs project group of those specifications
• Manages procurement of subcontractors and vendors for completion of project tasks, including subcontractor/vendor bid package development
• Must complete annual refresher OSHA HAZWOPER training and be able to wear required PPE
• Must maintain a valid drivers’ license and acceptable driving record

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Strategic thinking with a solutions-focused approach
• High attention to detail and scientific rigor
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship