Sr. Natural Resource Project Manager

Work with clients and project teams on Natural Resource, NEPA, and related technical assignments as well as support business development activities. Tasks may include overseeing wetland delineations, natural resource inventories, and functional assessments; botanical and wildlife surveys; T&E surveys, developing permit applications; planning wetland mitigation projects; preparing NEPA documents; and negotiating with regulatory agencies. The PM will work with scientists, engineers, and other Sundance staff members as well as regulatory staff and clients. They will work to help clients meet ecological and regulatory constraints, prepare applications and reports required for project permitting, implementation, and mitigation of natural resource impacts, as well as compliance with NEPA and ESA (Endangered Species Act).

This position can work remotely from any location in the United States.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Contribute to NEPA compliance, ESA compliance, as well as Natural Resource management efforts by addressing the development for a wide variety of projects, revision of federal resource management plans and land use plans, issuance of rights-of-way, approvals, and/or leases, policy amendments, etc. In addition, this position will help lead, write, and manage tasks for the preparation of NEPA documents and other environmental documents related to projects managed by federal agencies or for those that occur on federal lands.
• Support with planning and implementing the execution of natural resource projects including permitting efforts, natural resources field studies, data analysis and report preparation.
• Prepare and/or direct the preparation of permit packages, technical studies, and supporting documents, such as resource reports, assessments, mitigation and monitoring plans, and other deliverables.
• Assist teams by leading, supporting or providing technical assistance during key steps of the NEPA process, including pre-Notice of Intent activities and project planning; development of the description of the proposed action and purpose and need; NEPA document structuring and content planning; public involvement, including preparing public meeting materials, attending and supporting public meetings, and public comment review and response; records of decisions and findings of no significant impact; and decision files.
• Communicate with internal and external clients in a responsive and professional manner to ensure successful project completion with no surprises.
• Foster existing client relationships and identify new business opportunities to expand Sundance’s natural resources business unit.
• Support proposal preparation and review with technical expertise and cost estimates.
• Fieldwork in the areas of physical and/or biological sciences.
• Lead or facilitate project meetings attended by clients, agencies, and the public to support a successful project outcome.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, hydrology, soil science, or similar natural resources field.
• 10+ years’ experience working with NEPA and/or permitting including developing and writing Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, and ESA Biological Assessments within multi-disciplinary teams and multi-agency efforts.

1. Knowledge of state and federal protected species programs
2. Field experience conducting wetland delineations, botanical surveys, and/or wildlife surveys
3. Experience in working and negotiating cooperatively with local, state, and federal regulators

• Experience with managing and leading project teams
• A flexible working style and the ability to work independently and with teams of specialists to meet client and project needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of all levels of NEPA and the environmental permitting process.
• Experience with technical writing of EAs and/or EIS’ specific to NEPA language.
• Experience preparing ESA Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) Incidental Take Permit application packages and ESA Section 7 compliance documents.
• Preparation of proposals including technical approach and pricing.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite, strong people skills, excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to satisfactorily pass pre-employment and post-employment drug and alcohol tests.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in ecology, botany, hydrology, soil science, or similar natural resources field.
• Demonstrated experience leading (PM) preparation of a combination of 10 NEPA document with at least 3 EISs.
• Demonstrated experience leading (PM) preparing a combination of 10 ESA compliance projects including HCPs/ITPs, Formal Section 7 Consultations (requiring a BA).
• A working understanding of agency internal processes and procedures and positive existing relationships with federal land management and regulatory agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM), US Forest Service (USFS), National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), FERC, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

Primarily office setting with periodic extended periods of time in the field requiring up to 20% overnight travel.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: Up to $110,000
• Bonus Program.
• Flexible working hours are available, outside of scheduled field events, allowing for a half day off every Friday.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) with a 4% match.

Sundance is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation