Principal Environmental Consultant

Sunstone Environmental Solutions; Reno (NV); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Flexible time off

Competitive, performance-based bonus

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Sunstone Environmental Solutions in Reno, NV is seeking a Principal Environmental Consultant to provide strategic leadership on mining-related environmental projects. You will shape environmental strategies, lead cross-functional teams, and drive innovative solutions balancing regulatory demands with operational efficiency.

The role requires 15+ years in the field, deep expertise in NEPA, water management, air permitting, and regulatory navigation, with preference for Nevada experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years in environmental consulting/mining with project leadership.
• Strong demonstrated mastery of NEPA, CWA, CAA and permitting.
• Nevada mining experience preferred; willing to relocate to Reno.

Responsibilities

• Oversee large multi-disciplinary projects including permitting, compliance, and environmental planning.
• Lead and mentor a team of up to 10 consultants and support staff.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and mining clients; manage stakeholder relations.
• Develop advanced compliance documents such as EISs, SWPPPs, PoOs and air quality plans.
• Engage with federal, state and local agencies to navigate regulatory processes.
• Contribute to proposals, technical scoping, and client pitches to grow mining-focused engagements.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Regulatory navigation

Business development

Client relationships

Stakeholder communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Environmental Science/Engineering/Geology

Job description

We’re hiring a Principal Environmental Consultant to provide strategic leadership on high‑stakes environmental consulting projects for mining clients in the Western U.S. This role emphasizes expertise in mining‑related environmental challenges, including water management, air permitting, NEPA compliance, and related fields.

As a Principal Consultant, you’ll serve as the senior technical authority, shaping environmental strategies, leading cross‑functional teams, and fostering client relationships. You’ll guide complex permitting and compliance initiatives, mentor junior staff, and drive innovative solutions that balance regulatory demands with operational efficiency in the mining sector.

Location

Reno, Nevada (Hybrid)

Type

Full-time

15+ Years Experience

What You’ll Do

• Project Management: Oversee large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary projects involving permitting, compliance, and environmental planning.
• Team Mentorship and Oversight: Lead and develop a team of up to 10 consultants and support staff, providing technical guidance, performance coaching, and ensuring seamless execution across concurrent projects.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Coordination: Manage subcontractors such as hydrologists, air quality specialists, environmental engineers, and regulatory experts, while building strong partnerships with mining clients and agencies.
• Technical Expertise and Documentation: Author or lead the development of advanced compliance documents, including EISs under NEPA, stormwater permits (SWPPPs), mine plans of operations (PoOs), air quality plans, and integrated environmental impact assessments.
• Regulatory Navigation: Engage at a senior level with federal (e.g., BLM, USFS, EPA), state (e.g., NDEP), and local agencies, with preferred experience in Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, or similar mining jurisdictions.
• Business Development: Contribute to proposal strategies, technical scoping, and client pitches to secure and expand mining‑focused environmental consulting engagements.
• Field and Advisory Presence: Provide high‑level oversight through periodic site visits, risk assessments, and advisory support for emerging issues in mining environmental compliance.

What Makes This Role Different

• Leadership without Bureaucracy: You’ll manage people and projects, not just spreadsheets. We give you autonomy and support.
• Flexibility: Work from office and home, with required weekly in‑person collaboration.
• Trusted Expertise: Join a team that values technical skill and proactive solutions over red tape.
• High‑Performance Rewards: We reward hard work and results with competitive pay, performance bonuses, and accelerated career growth. Thrive in a merit‑driven culture where top performers get recognized, promoted, and compensated for exceeding expectations—while maintaining availability during core business hours (8–5) for seamless team execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years in environmental consulting, mining, or related industries, with deep involvement in project leadership for mining‑specific challenges like water permitting, air quality management, NEPA processes, and compliance programs.
• Demonstrated mastery in regulatory frameworks (e.g., NEPA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, NDEP/BLM permitting). Strong preference for hands‑on experience in Nevada mining environments or analogous Western U.S. operations.
• Proven track record of leading senior teams, subcontractors, and multi‑project portfolios, with a focus on strategic decision‑making and risk mitigation.
• Strategic thinker, exceptional communicator, adept at influencing stakeholders, and resilient in fast‑paced, high‑stakes settings.
• Must reside in the Greater Reno, Nevada area or be willing to relocate upon hire.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, with performance‑based bonus potential.
• Company‑paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with four percent company match.
• Flexible time off – schedule as needed, provided deliverables are met.
• Flexible, self‑driven, no‑nonsense work environment with real respect for your time.

Sound like your kind of work?