Principal Environmental Planner - FERC

SWCA Environmental Consultants; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 114,594 - 149,320; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Total Rewards package

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Principal Environmental Planner to lead complex, multi‑disciplinary environmental projects across the Gulf Coast and Southeast. This is a high‑impact leadership role for a seasoned project manager focused on technical excellence, client success, and mentoring teams.

The role offers distributed remote work with travel in the Gulf Coast region, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package including an ESOP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Ten years of relevant experience.
• Five years of project management in a consulting environment with proposals, scheduling, budgeting, change management, client/agency meetings, and NEPA
• Experience developing environmental permit applications and NEPA documents for interstate natural gas facilities (FERC preferred).
• Experience with agencies such as FERC, DOE, USACE or similar Gulf Coast/state agencies.
• Experience with project financials (budgets, forecasting, invoicing).
• Client management and business development experience (seller‑doer).
• Leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects across infrastructure, energy, resilience, and environmental planning, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Shape technical approaches, strengthen client relationships, and advance SWCA’s reputation for quality and innovation.
• Coordinate periodic travel to support client engagement, oversight, and team collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Client management

Business development

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/ecology/environmental science

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Principal Environmental Planner to support our growing portfolio of complex, multidisciplinary environmental projects across the Gulf Coast and the broader Southeast. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a seasoned project manager who thrives in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment and is passionate about delivering technical excellence, driving client success, and mentoring high-performing teams.

This is a regular (with benefits), full‑time, salaried position open to candidates based in the Gulf Coast, with flexibility for distributed (remote) work. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience. SWCA offers a team‑oriented work environment, competitive salaries, and a competitive benefits package, including an employee stock ownership retirement plan (ESOP).

In this role, you will lead projects spanning infrastructure, energy, resilience, and environmental planning efforts, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. You will play a key role in shaping technical approaches, strengthening client relationships, and advancing SWCA’s reputation for quality and innovation. Periodic travel throughout the region will be required to support client engagement, project oversight, and team collaboration.

Experience and qualifications for success

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or other related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of project management experience in a consulting environment, including proposal writing, scheduling, budget management, change management, leading meetings with clients and agencies, directing project teams or tasks, and preparing or directing staff in the preparation of technical studies and NEPA documents.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of environmental permit applications and NEPA documents pertaining to the authorization of interstate natural gas facilities regulated by the FERC (preferred) or other federal agencies.
• Proven experience with agencies such as: FERC, DOE, USACE, and/or similar state agencies, primarily in the Gulf Coast and surrounding states.
• Experience with project financials (budgets, forecasting, invoicing).
• Demonstrated client management and business development experience (seller‑doer).
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred or Helpful Qualifications

1. Minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant experience.
2. Minimum of seven (7) years of project management experience in a consulting environment.
3. First‑hand experience in developing environmental permit applications and documents pertaining to the authorization of FERC‑regulated facilities, including projects that utilize FERC’s Pre‑filing Process.
4. Established credibility with reviewing agencies and clients.
5. Effectively engaged in resource agency consultations, received stakeholder/agency input and provide informed responses.
6. Demonstrated experience with construction compliance or environmental inspection.
7. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and technical writing, in a variety of professional settings.

At SWCA, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. For assistance accessing the application or for accommodation requests due to a disability, please contact [e-mail] or call 1-480-581-5378.

EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

Salary range: A Principal Environmental Planner in this Gulf Coast‑based position can expect a base salary of $114,594.00 to $149,320.00 per year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular‑status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive benefits package, medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.