Principal Ecologist & Permitting Lead

The Judge Group; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Healthcare/Benefits

Job summary

The Judge Group seeks a Hybrid Principal Ecological/Environmental expert to lead high-stakes ecological projects in the United States. Candidates should have 15+ years of ecological experience and deep regulatory knowledge across 401/404, NEPA, ESA, FERC and related areas.

The role emphasizes leading teams, managing complex scopes, preparing plans and reports, and coordinating field surveys with subcontractors to ensure compliant, high-quality fieldwork outcomes.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of ecological experience with regulatory exposure.
• Strong knowledge of 401/404 permits, NEPA, ESA; related programs.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex projects.
• Familiar with field surveys, habitat assessments and reporting.
• Ability to coordinate subs and ensure fieldwork compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary ecological projects.
• Prepare site work plans, proposals and reports for complex scopes.
• Oversee field surveys, delineations and restoration planning.
• Coordinate subcontractors and vendors for project tasks.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs and regulatory program requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Ecology / Environmental Science

Job description

The Judge Group seeks a Hybrid Principal Ecological/Environmental expert to lead high-stakes ecological projects in the United States. Candidates should have 15+ years of ecological experience and deep regulatory knowledge across 401/404, NEPA, ESA, FERC and related areas.

The role emphasizes leading teams, managing complex scopes, preparing plans and reports, and coordinating field surveys with subcontractors to ensure compliant, high-quality fieldwork outcomes.