Technical Director – Environmental Investigation & Remediation

J.S. Held LLC; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Job summary

A global consulting firm is seeking a Technical Director for their Environmental Investigation & Remediation practice. The ideal candidate will lead complex projects, provide expert guidance, and foster client relationships. This full-time role offers a hybrid work environment with significant responsibilities in project delivery and business development. A strong educational background in environmental fields and proven leadership skills are required. Competitive salary range is $145,000 to $190,000, with additional annual bonus opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Significant experience in environmental investigation and remediation.
• Strong understanding of hydrogeology and remediation methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of complex environmental projects.
• Provide expert technical guidance.
• Develop site models and evaluate technologies.
• Secure new business opportunities.

Skills

Contaminant behavior understanding

Project management

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Environmental Engineering or Geology

Professional licensure (PE, PG)

Job description

Technical Director – Environmental Investigation & Remediation

• Full-time
• Job Location Type: Hybrid
• Department: Environmental Health & Safety Consulting

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high-stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

The Technical Director will lead, manage, and grow our Environmental Investigation & Remediation practice through a combination of technical excellence, project delivery, and active business development. In the seller–doer model, this role is accountable for building strong client relationships, securing new work, and overseeing the successful execution of high‑complexity environmental projects in alignment with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and organizational standards.

The ideal candidate is a recognized technical leader who thrives in both client-facing and hands‑on project delivery responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

• Lead the planning, direction, and execution of complex environmental investigation and remediation projects, ensuring delivery within scope, schedule, budget, and regulatory frameworks.
• Provide expert-level technical guidance on contaminant fate and transport, geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, engineering principles, and other relevant physical sciences.
• Develop conceptual site models, evaluate remedial technologies, forecast project needs, and prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Oversee and review technical reports including remedial investigations, feasibility studies, cleanup action plans, and state-specific regulatory documentation.
• Ensure application of state and federal environmental standards to achieve regulatory closure or client-specific outcomes.
• Establish and maintain internal health and safety, quality control, and technical standards for the practice.
• Cultivate and expand relationships with clients, referral sources, industry partners, and centers of influence—serving as a trusted technical advisor.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities aligned with practice growth objectives.
• Represent the firm in key client meetings, professional associations, and industry events to enhance visibility and market presence.
• Translate client needs into actionable scopes and project strategies, ensuring a high-quality customer experience.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance assessment for technical staff across project phases.
• Mentor team members in technical development, project management, and client engagement.
• Collaborate with Principals and senior leadership to structure practice area growth, resourcing strategies, and future project pipelines.

Operational & Field Activities

• Work primarily in a remote or office setting performing project management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tasks.
• Conduct field oversight for key phases of complex investigation or remediation projects as needed.
• Coordinate project teams, subcontractors, and consultants to ensure alignment with technical, regulatory, and safety expectations.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully fill this position:

• Degree in Environmental Engineering, Geology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional licensure (PE, PG, or equivalent) preferred.
• Significant experience in environmental investigation and remediation, including managing complex projects.
• Strong technical understanding of contaminant behavior, hydrogeology, and remediation methods.
• Proven ability to develop business and maintain strong client relationships (seller–doer model).
• Experience leading teams and mentoring technical staff.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Ability to travel as needed for client meetings and field oversight.

Some of the Benefits We Have Include

• A flexible work environment, including the ability to work remotely when needed
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) match

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $145,000 – $190,000. The base salary offered will vary depending on a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, location, and the scope of the role.

In addition to base salary, J.S. Held offers a variety of annual bonus programs. Eligibility and details for these bonus schemes will be discussed during the interview process.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO and Job Accommodations

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal! J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please email [e-mail] and include “Applicant Accommodation” within the subject line with your request and contact information.