Regional Ecology Practice Lead

LVI Associates; Michigan; On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus potential

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

LVI Associates, a growing environmental consulting firm, is seeking a Regional Ecological Practice Lead to guide the ecological practice across multiple states. You will provide technical, operational, and strategic leadership, oversee a local office, manage projects, mentor staff, and develop client relationships.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in ecological consulting, strong regulatory knowledge (NEPA, CWA, ESA), and a track record of leading teams and winning work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field.
• 10+ years in ecological consulting or related disciplines.
• Extensive permitting and regulatory compliance experience.
• Strong knowledge of wetlands and habitat assessments.
• Experience leading staff and managing complex projects.
• Willingness to support occasional fieldwork.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects from proposal to completion.
• Oversee office operations and regional initiatives.
• Direct wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and restoration.
• Prepare and review technical reports, work plans, and permits.
• Provide NEPA, CWA permitting, and endangered species guidance.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Mentor junior staff and coordinate with teams.
• Serve as primary client contact and advisor.
• Support business development through client relationships and proposals.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Fieldwork willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Ecology or related field

Master's degree in Ecology/Environmental Science (preferred)

Job description

Join a growing environmental consulting firm that specialises in helping public and private sector clients navigate complex environmental challenges. The firm is recognised for delivering high-quality ecological, permitting, restoration, and natural resource solutions while supporting major infrastructure, energy, land development, and environmental improvement projects. This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping and expanding a well-established ecological practice.

Location

Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana

Job Title

Regional Ecological Practice Lead

Role Summary

The Regional Ecological Practice Lead will provide technical, operational, and strategic leadership for the firm's ecological consulting services while overseeing a local office and supporting regional ecological initiatives. This role combines project management, staff leadership, client development, and technical expertise across a diverse portfolio of ecological, permitting, restoration, and environmental compliance projects. The ideal candidate will bring deep regulatory and technical knowledge, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex projects while growing client relationships and mentoring environmental professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological and environmental projects from proposal development through project completion
• Manage day-to-day office operations and support regional ecological initiatives
• Direct wetland delineations, habitat assessments, ecological surveys, restoration projects, and environmental permitting efforts
• Lead preparation and review of technical reports, work plans, permitting documents, and environmental studies
• Provide technical expertise related to NEPA, Clean Water Act permitting, threatened and endangered species, and other environmental regulations
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, resources, and deliverables
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level environmental staff
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, planners, scientists, and regulatory agencies
• Serve as a primary client contact and trusted advisor
• Support business development efforts through client relationship management, proposal preparation, and strategic growth initiatives
• Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, Soil Science, Geology, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in ecological consulting, natural resources, environmental permitting, or related disciplines
• Extensive experience with environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, including federal and state environmental regulations
• Strong knowledge of wetlands, aquatic resources, habitat assessments, and ecological restoration practices
• Experience managing complex environmental projects, budgets, and project teams
• Demonstrated success leading staff and mentoring technical professionals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing technical reports, proposals, work plans, and permitting documentation
• Valid driver's license and willingness to support occasional fieldwork as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
• Experience supporting infrastructure, transportation, energy, utility, or land development projects
• Knowledge of NEPA, ESA, Section 401/404 permitting, wetland delineations, FERC-related projects, and ecological restoration programs
• Experience with mitigation banking, stream restoration, wetland restoration, or related ecological programs
• Existing client relationships and a demonstrated track record of business development success
• OSHA HAZWOPER certification or willingness to maintain required training

What's in it for You

• Opportunity to lead and grow a regional ecological consulting practice
• Visible leadership role with influence over strategy, operations, and business development
• Diverse portfolio of ecological, permitting, restoration, and environmental compliance projects
• Collaborative and employee-focused consulting environment
• Strong mix of technical leadership, project management, and client engagement
• Competitive compensation: $120,000 - $200,000 base salary + bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities