Environmental Section Head

JMT; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Environmental Section Head to lead their Natural & Cultural Resources section in Virginia. This pivotal role involves managing a team of environmental scientists and overseeing critical projects related to environmental investigations, permitting, and compliance. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in environmental laws and a proven track record in personnel management. Join a dynamic, employee-owned firm that values innovation and collaboration, where your expertise will directly impact transportation projects across the region. This is a unique opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful environmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in environmental management and compliance.
• Strong skills in managing and mentoring environmental scientists.

Responsibilities

• Oversee environmental investigations and permitting processes.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and staff commitments.
• Lead business development initiatives and strategic planning.

Skills

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Microstation

ArcGIS

Technical Writing

Personnel Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

GIS programs

Job description

Environmental Section Head

Natural Resources

Richmond, VA • ID: 21998 • Full-Time/Regular

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm of more than 2,300 professionals that provides a full range of multi-disciplined engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #61 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position Summary: JMT's Richmond Environmental Team is seeking a Section Head to manage JMT’s Natural & Cultural Resources section in Virginia. This role involves overseeing various environmental investigations, environmental permitting, NEPA documentation, ecological restoration, and impact analyses projects while applying knowledge of environmental practices and regulations. The Section Head manages, directs, and oversees the work of Environmental Scientists in Virginia, primarily serving local governments, state agencies, and federal agencies with a focus on transportation projects.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Manage environmental scientists’ work in wetland delineations, joint permit application preparation, NEPA/state EIR analyses, endangered species assessments, environmental due diligence (Phase I, II, and III ESAs), environmental compliance, stream assessment and restoration, compliance monitoring during construction, and mitigation monitoring reports.
• Develop and monitor project schedules, budgets, and staff projections/commitments.
• Grow, hire, train, develop, mentor, and conduct performance reviews for the environmental scientist staff in Richmond and Herndon, Virginia.
• Lead preparation of scopes of work, letter proposals, and responses to RFPs, including teaming arrangements and attending and presenting at project interviews, public, and owner meetings.
• Participate in and assist the Virginia region with strategic planning and business development efforts, leading business development initiatives both regionally and in concert with JMT’s larger environmental practice throughout the company’s footprint.
• Manage the financial performance of the section.

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with AutoCAD, Microstation, ArcGIS, or other GIS programs.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and technical writing skills.
• Strong personnel management and mentoring skills.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental or natural science, biology, planning, ecology, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience with essential functions and responsibilities as outlined above.
• Extensive experience with environmental laws including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act, as well as demonstrated experience with Virginia environmental and water quality regulations.
• Extensive experience with preparing technical and qualifications-based proposals.
• Experience managing environmental staff.

Preferred Experience

• Experience managing environmental tasks in the energy or rail sectors.
• Master’s degree in natural resource management, environmental or natural science, biology, planning, ecology, or a related field.
• Public speaking and demonstrated interest in making technical presentations.
• PWS, AICP, CEP, or equivalent certification.

Working Conditions

Work is performed within an office environment approximately 75% of the time. Business meetings requiring professional attire should be expected. Fieldwork is required approximately less than 2% of the time and is conducted outdoors in various conditions. Fieldwork may require walking and strenuous activity, including lifting (up to 25 lbs) as needed. Business activities may require travel throughout the U.S. and require up to a week away from the office at a time.

JMT is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity, and we are proud to be building an inclusive and diverse workforce.