Principal Environmental Scientist

📋 Description

• • As a Principal Environmental Scientist at Montrose Environmental Group, you will step into a pivotal leadership role, serving as a recognized technical authority and strategic driver for complex environmental compliance projects. This position offers the unique opportunity to shape project success, ensure regulatory certainty, and cultivate enduring client trust, all while contributing to a global leader in environmental services.
• • You will be instrumental in leading intricate environmental compliance projects from the initial strategic planning phases through to successful execution. This involves developing comprehensive strategies that address client needs and navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
• • A core aspect of your role will be fostering strong, collaborative relationships with clients and internal technical expert teams. You will act as a key advisor, providing critical regulatory insight, risk-based guidance, and innovative problem-solving to ensure project objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
• • Collaboration extends to working seamlessly with a diverse array of internal subject matter experts, including biologists, archaeologists, GIS specialists, planners, regulatory specialists, and engineers. You will also engage with external technical partners, protection agencies, and state or federal lead agencies, ensuring alignment and coordinated efforts.
• • You will play a significant role in business development activities, including the oversight of proposals, meticulous cost estimating, and the execution of client interviews. Your expertise will be crucial in securing new projects and expanding Montrose's reach.
• • This role carries the responsibility for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) oversight for high-volume programs and projects, ensuring the highest standards of work are maintained across the board.
• • Effective project management is paramount; you will be responsible for project staffing, meticulous budget management, and adherence to project schedules, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.
• • A significant part of your contribution will involve mentoring and developing junior staff. You will foster an environment of technical excellence and professional growth, empowering team members to reach their full potential and advance their careers.
• • You will actively support business development and strategic growth initiatives, working in tandem with other Principals to identify new opportunities and drive the company's expansion.
• • Maintaining strict compliance with all safety protocols, confidentiality agreements, and company policies is a fundamental requirement of this position.
• • Continuous professional development is essential. You will be expected to stay abreast of the latest industry trends, evolving regulations, and best practices through ongoing learning and engagement.
• • This role requires a blend of independent work and collaborative effort. You will work autonomously on key initiatives while also functioning as an integral part of the core Principal team, contributing to collective goals.
• • You will perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute wherever needed to support the team and company objectives.
• • The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of California-specific regulations and environmental expertise, given the role's potential remote nature but preference for a Southern California base.
• • Experience with utilities and/or renewable energy projects is highly desirable, aligning with key sectors Montrose serves.
• • Serving as a senior regulatory liaison with permitting agencies is a preferred qualification, highlighting the need for established relationships and negotiation skills.
• • You will leverage your deep knowledge of current environmental compliance and city/state development regulations to guide projects effectively.
• • A strong familiarity with California natural resources and impact analyses/assessments is crucial for success in this role.
• • Proven ability to lead the regulatory permitting process, including experience working with key agencies such as USACE, USFWS, BLM, USFS, CDFW, and RWQCB, is essential.
• • Your capacity to operate independently while leading multidisciplinary technical teams will be a key determinant of success.
• • Experience in people management, including providing mentorship to elevate staff skillsets and facilitate career growth, is a vital component of this leadership position.
• • Demonstrated success in leading proposals and competitive pursuits underscores the business development aspect of this role.
• • Exceptional written communication skills are required, with the ability to write and oversee complex technical documents, memorandums, and reports.
• • Experience leading projects/programs and thriving in dynamic, collaborative environments that demand flexibility in assuming new roles and adapting to changing project directions is expected.
• • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office is necessary, with working knowledge of tools such as ArcGIS and AutoCAD being preferred.
• • A willingness and ability to travel locally as needed will be required to support project requirements and client engagements.