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Principal Environmental Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're hiring a Principal Environmental Consultant to provide strategic leadership on high-stakes environmental consulting projects for mining clients in the Western U.S. This role emphasizes ...

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Arcadis has an immediate need for a Principal Environmental Consultant based out of our Los Angeles or Irvine office. This role will emphasize client marketing, developing relationships, mentoring ...

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Principal Environmental Consultant information

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$25

$67

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How much do principal environmental consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal environmental consultant in the United States is $67.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.33 and $82.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal environmental consultant?

Principal Environmental Consultants are senior professionals who lead and manage complex environmental projects, provide expert advice on environmental regulations and best practices, and oversee teams of specialists. They often work with clients in industries such as construction, energy, or government to ensure compliance with environmental laws and to promote sustainable practices. Their responsibilities typically include project management, client liaison, technical review, and mentorship of junior staff. With extensive experience, Principal Environmental Consultants play a key role in shaping environmental strategies and policies for organizations.

How does a principal environmental consultant typically support project teams and clients throughout an environmental assessment process?

A Principal Environmental Consultant plays a pivotal role by providing strategic guidance and technical oversight during environmental assessments. They collaborate closely with multidisciplinary project teams, often mentoring junior consultants and ensuring regulatory compliance and best practices are integrated into deliverables. Their responsibilities include managing client communications, overseeing complex impact assessments, and representing clients during stakeholder consultations or public hearings. This leadership position requires balancing project management duties with hands-on technical expertise, ensuring successful project outcomes while fostering professional growth within the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal environmental consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Environmental Consultant, you need deep expertise in environmental science or engineering, strong project management skills, and typically an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with environmental regulations, GIS software, impact assessment tools, and relevant certifications like CEnv or P.E. is highly valuable. Excellent leadership, client communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for building trust and guiding teams. These competencies ensure effective project delivery, regulatory compliance, and positive client outcomes in complex environmental projects.

What is the difference between Principal Environmental Consultant vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectPrincipal Environmental ConsultantEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field; often professional certifications like PE or CEnvUsually holds a degree in environmental science or related field; certifications are less common
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, manages client relationships, and provides strategic advice; often in consulting firms or corporate settingsConducts field research, data analysis, and laboratory work; primarily in research institutions or labs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in consulting firms, government agencies, and large corporations for project leadershipCommon in research institutions, academia, and environmental agencies for scientific research

The main difference is that Principal Environmental Consultants focus on project management, client interaction, and strategic planning, while Environmental Scientists primarily conduct research and data collection. Both roles require environmental expertise but serve different functions within the industry.

Do principal environmental consultants make a lot of money?

Principal environmental consultants typically earn higher salaries due to their experience, leadership responsibilities, and specialized knowledge in environmental regulations and assessment tools. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and certifications, but they generally have above-average compensation compared to entry-level roles in the field.

How much does a principal environmental consultant make?

A principal environmental consultant typically earns between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. They often hold advanced certifications and lead complex projects, which can influence salary levels.
More about Principal Environmental Consultant jobs

What cities are hiring for Principal Environmental Consultant jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Environmental Consultant job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Environmental Consultant jobs?

For Principal Environmental Consultant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Environmental Consultant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,048 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Principal Environmental Consultant

Burbank, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Our best product is the smart and creative thinking that we provide.

Principal Environmental Consultant - (608)

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Job Title

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Category

Scientific

Job Description

As an established “seller-doer,” the ideal candidate brings significant consulting experience, technical skills, leadership ability, and established client relationships. This position will require successful selling and consulting to clients for environmental projects such as site investigation and remediation, or services related to litigation, insurance, compliance, or brownfield/real estate development, or one of the other core service areas of Roux: https://www.rouxinc.com/markets/ .

  • Generate annual net revenue exceeding Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand annually at 20%+ profit .
  • Direct projects and oversee key client relationships, including the management and development of staff and the development of new business opportunities with support from our business development team.
  • Help lead the office in technical excellence and employee development and collaborate with our other Principals to provide vision and direction.
  • Provide technical and project management support to clients for all facets of project execution.

Position Requirements:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in relevant technical field; a Master’s is preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of environmental consulting experience.
  • Holds professional certification in California, as appropriate.
  • Experience with state environmental programs/regulations. Experience with federal superfund (CERCLA) and RCRA corrective action remediation programs is a plus.
  • Ability and willingness to support the technical growth of project/staff level professionals based on direct interactions.
  • Advanced data evaluation and analytical skills.
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience interacting with clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Candidate’s clientele should consist of Fortune 500s, outside counsel, and/or developers, and their environmental challenges should fit into Roux’s core practice areas which are site investigation and remediation, or services related to litigation, insurance, compliance, or brownfield/real estate development.

Roux is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or protected veteran status; and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Roux will take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact HR@rouxinc.com .

Base Salary Range: $150,000 - $230,000. This salary range is based on what Roux in good faith believes it might pay at the time of posting for this position and for this geographic location. Actual compensation may vary based on job-related factors such as relevant work experience, amount of revenue candidate is able to generate, market conditions, education/training, certifications, skill sets, and internal equity. In addition, this position is eligible for annual performance bonuses and stock purchase plan based on individual job performance, individual revenue and profit generated, and the profitability of the firm.

Location

Burbank, CA - Burbank, CA 91502 US (Primary)

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