Senior Ecologist/Biologist – Team Leader

Description

• Collaborate with internal environmental teams across the Mid-Atlantic to share expertise and deliver integrated solutions.
• Oversee and conduct fieldwork such as wetland and waters delineations, rare species surveys (e.g., bat surveys), and habitat assessments.
• Drive business development in strategic market sectors: coastal resiliency, energy, pipeline, federal, state/local government, and transportation.
• Pipeline permitting and reactivation projects from Appalachia through NC and VA
• Actively engage with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to guide project development and approvals.
• Lead proposal development, scope and budget planning, and resource allocation for diverse projects.
• Lead and grow a team of environmental professionals focused on ecological assessments and regulatory permitting in North and South Carolina.
• Cultivate client relationships and build a sustainable book of business to support a growing team and collaborate across VHB’s Mid-Atlantic region.
• Manage the preparation of technical documents, environmental permits (401/404, NEPA), and agency coordination.
• Identify, pursue, and win new project opportunities, including on-call contracts.

Requirements

• 11–15+ years of progressive ecological consulting experience, with proven business development success.
• Advanced knowledge of ecological surveys, wetland delineation, threatened/endangered species evaluations, and mitigation planning.
• Strong portfolio of client relationships and project wins in key markets (transportation, energy, coastal resiliency, land development, federal/state agencies).
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), WPIT, CWB, or similar certifications preferred.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to mentor staff and work cross-functionally.
• Proficient in ArcGIS (including Field Maps and AGOL) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Resilient roadway and shoreline protection in the Town of Duck, NC
• B.S. in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or a related field (M.S. preferred).
• Strong interpersonal, proposal writing, and verbal communication skills.
• In-depth familiarity with NEPA, Clean Water Act (Section 404/401), and related state and federal environmental regulations.
• Demonstrated experience managing field teams, regulatory permitting, and complex ecological projects.
• Experience with gas/energy pipeline projects, coastal and flood resilience work, and large-scale infrastructure development.
• OSHA 40-hr HAZWOPER certification and/or LEED AP a plus.

Benefits

• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace
• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance