Principal Environmental Manager

UES; Mission Viejo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking an Environmental Department Manager to lead projects, supervise staff, and drive client relationships. The role entails coordinating team efforts across ESAs (Phase I–III), scoping work, preparing proposals, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Expect ~80% office work and 20% field activities in a dynamic, safety-conscious environment. Applicants should have a PE or PG license preferred, 10+ years of environmental engineering/consulting, and HAZWOPER/AHERA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental fields is required.
• PE or PG license preferred; licensure highly desirable.
• Minimum 10 years of environmental engineering/consulting experience.
• HAZWOPER 40-hour, AHERA certification, and annual refreshers required.
• Valid driver's license with clean record; proficient MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise environmental projects and the Environmental Services department.
• Manage client relationships, project delivery, and scope changes.
• Develop proposals, cost estimates, and grow business opportunities.
• Oversee staff performance, training, and safety compliance.
• Balance office work (documentation) with field activities as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, or related field

PE license or PG license preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

The Environmental Department Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing environmental projects and managing the Environmental Services department. This includes supervising staff, ensuring quality project delivery, client relationship management, and contributing to business development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate project work, identifying resource needs and assigning responsibilities.
• Serve as primary client contact for project scheduling, issue resolution, and invoicing.
• Supervise a team of environmental professionals, specialists, and technicians conducting Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs).
• Build and maintain strong client relationships; support organizational networking and outreach.
• Recruit, train, and mentor departmental personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and implement disciplinary actions as needed.
• Promote and facilitate employee training and professional development.
• Identify opportunities for new business and additional project work.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and detailed proposals.
• Secure signed client agreements before project initiation.
• Assist in scoping project work and gathering initial client data.
• Review and edit technical reports prepared by staff; prepare reports when directly involved in fieldwork or research.
• Typically spend approximately 80% of the time in the office (report writing/data analysis) and 20% in the field (sampling/research).
• Submit accurate paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.
• Monitor departmental expenses and interface with Accounting for financial oversight.
• Collaborate with other departments and regional offices to provide technical support.
• Ensure strict adherence to company and regulatory safety procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, or related scientific field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Geologist (PG) license preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in environmental engineering or consulting.
• HAZWOPER 40-hour certification, AHERA certification, and applicable annual refreshers required.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical documents and comply with regulatory standards.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires travel as needed, approximated 0-20% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on client and project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions such as precipitation, extreme cold or heat, dusty and noisy work environments. Office work requiring long-term sitting and computer work The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:o Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 lbso Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as drive long distanceso Frequent use of fingers, hands and arms for typing, cellphoneo Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, lift, carry, and push repetitivelyo Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate sometimes with noisy environmentso Ability to see, smell, hear and touch as well as reach, climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sito Ability to regularly lift and/or move/shake up to 40lbs. (soil and/or concrete tests and related apparatus); frequently lift and/or move up to 60lbs. (soil and sand samples, and nuclear density equipment); and occasionally move more than 100lbs. (such as a loaded wheelbarrow of concrete samples)

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here

Posted Salary Range

USD $150,000.00 - USD $200,000.00 /Yr.