Principal Environmental Scientist

ABOUT YOU

Are you passionate about the environment and ready to join an inclusive workplace, committed to leading new ideas and pathways, and to delivering value? If the answer is, “Yes!” then we have an exciting career opportunity for you.

Who are we? We are Montrose, a global environmental services provider offering environmental planning and permitting, measurement and analytical services, and environmental resiliency and sustainability solutions. Our qualified engineers, scientists, technicians, associates, and policy experts are proud of our collective expertise and the collaborative nature of our approach to helping clients. We strive to optimize environmental resiliency in a way that effectively complements our clients’ decision-making and operations and efficiently fulfills their project requirements.

We have over 125 offices across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia and are approaching 3,500 employees – all ready to provide solutions for environmental needs.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Our Principal Scientist position can be performed remotely; however, the ideal candidate will be based in Southern California and bring strong California-specific regulatory and environmental expertise.

As a key member of the leadership team, this role will be responsible for a wide range of activities including:

• Leading complex environmental compliance projects from planning strategy through execution.

• Working closely with clients and technical expert team and planners to solve problems and provide regulatory insight and risk-based guidance.

• Collaborating with internal subject matter experts (biologists, archaeologists, GIS specialists, planners, regulatory specialists, and engineers) and external technical partners, protection agencies, and state or federal lead agencies.

• Overseeing proposals and business development activities, including leading proposals, cost estimating, and interview execution.

• QA/QC oversight of high-volume programs/projects.

• Project staffing, budget and schedule management

• Mentoring and developing staff, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.

• Supporting business development and strategic growth initiatives alongside other Principals.

• Maintaining compliance with all safety, confidentiality, and company policies.

• Staying current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices through continuous professional development.

• Working collaboratively with the core Principal team and working independently.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

YOUR EXPERTISE AND SKILLS

The Principal Scientist is a recognized technical authority and strategic leader, responsible for regulatory certainty, project success, and long-term client trust.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, urban planning, environmental science, or related field.

• Master’s degree preferred but not required.

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience (12 years with a Master’s degree).

• Experience with utilities and/or renewable energy projects strongly preferred.

• Experience serving as senior regulatory liaison with permitting agencies preferred.

• Knowledge of current environmental compliance and city/state development regulations.

• Strong familiarity with California natural resources and impact analyses/assessments.

• Experience leading the regulatory permitting process, including experience working with the USACE, USFWS, BLM, USFS, CDFW, and RWQCB.

• Proven ability to operate independently while leading multidisciplinary technical teams.

• Experience as a people manager providing mentorship to elevate the skillsets of staff and provide career growth opportunities.

• Proven success leading proposals and competitive pursuits.

• Excellent written communication skills, ability to write and oversee complex technical documents, memorandum, or reports.

• Experience leading projects/programs and working in dynamic, collaborative environments that require flexibility in assuming new roles and changing project directions.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office; working knowledge of tools such as ArcGIS and AutoCAD preferred.

• Willingness and ability to travel locally as needed.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

As a key member of the Montrose leadership team, you can expect:

• Competitive compensation: $150,000 – $180,000 annually, commensurate with experience and location

• Mentorship and professional development opportunities

• Direct exposure to our industry’s leading experts who are solving the world’s toughest environmental challenges

• An entrepreneurial environment where you can learn, thrive and collaborate with talented colleagues

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage

• 401k with a competitive 4% employer match

• Progressive vacation policies, company holidays and paid parental leave benefits to ensure work/life balance

MAKE THE MOVE TO ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER

We are a rapidly growing company that values individual leadership, initiative, and impactful decision-making and provides you with support from talented and knowledgeable colleagues and service providers.

Want to know more about how we can help you take your career to the next level? Visit us at montrose-env.com! 

Montrose is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Montrose is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. Montrose is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities.

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