Senior Ecological Professional

Civil and Environmental Consultants; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Profit sharing

Performance bonus

Company stock

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Short and long-term disability

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Work-life balance

Job summary

Civil and Environmental Consultants (CEC) in Charlotte, NC, seeks a Senior Ecological Professional to lead and grow our ecological practice. You will provide senior technical oversight, mentor staff, and drive project execution and strategic growth across multidisciplinary teams.

We value integrity and client service, offering ownership opportunities, a strong employee-owner culture, and a comprehensive benefits package including retirement and professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• 15+ years of experience in environmental planning, Clean Water Act permitting (Sections 401/404), or ecosystem restoration
• Experience supporting projects under NEPA or FERC regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrated success developing and managing client relationships across industries such as energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, or real estate
• Established professional network with a track record of generating new business opportunities
• Experience leading technical teams and providing mentorship to staff and project managers

Responsibilities

• Provide senior oversight on various ecological projects, including technical and quality reviews and mentoring staff
• Business development for CEC through your existing professional network and internal CEC resources.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentorship

Business development

Client relations

NEPA knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Ecology/related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Senior Ecological Professional

Job Locations: US-NC-Charlotte

Category: Ecological Services | Type: Full-Time

Overview

As a Senior Ecological Professional for CEC in our Ecological Practice at the Charlotte, NC office, you'll play a key leadership role in supporting and growing our ecological services. You'll provide senior-level technical oversight on a variety of projects, mentor staff, and contribute to the continued expansion of our practice. You'll work across multidisciplinary teams, applying your expertise to deliver high-quality ecological solutions while supporting both project execution and strategic growth initiatives.

At CEC, every team member is personally invested in serving our clients with integrity, delivering results that matter, and growing meaningful careers. As employee-owners, we're accountable not just for our work, but for creating an environment that supports and challenges one another. Our people are our priority - and that's what drives us to dig deeper, collaborate smarter, and build lasting relationships inside and outside of our company.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior oversight on various ecological projects, including technical and quality reviews and mentoring staff
• Business development for CEC through your existing professional network and internal CEC resources.

Our Charlotte office is home to a collaborative and growing team of professionals in one of the Southeast's most vibrant cities. Located near both the mountains and the coast, Charlotte offers a unique mix of urban energy, outdoor recreation, and Southern charm. With top-rated schools, a thriving downtown, and a strong sense of community, Charlotte is a great place to live, work, and grow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• 15+ years of experience in environmental planning, Clean Water Act permitting (Sections 401/404), or ecosystem restoration
• Experience supporting projects under NEPA or FERC regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrated success developing and managing client relationships across industries such as energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, or real estate
• Established professional network with a track record of generating new business opportunities
• Experience leading technical teams and providing mentorship to staff and project managers

About Us

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community - focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite - focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA - focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women - focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!

We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you - that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.