Description
The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is seeking an experienced and motivated Natural Resources Department Lead to join our Virginia Beach office. In this role, you will manage and grow a regional team of scientists specializing in aquatic and terrestrial resource management, environmental permitting, compliance, and endangered species conservation. This leadership position requires a strong background in natural resources science, environmental regulations, team development, and business development. The successful candidate will provide technical expertise, oversee project execution, mentor staff, and drive the strategic growth of the department through new business opportunities and proactive client engagement.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Responsibilities:
• Lead, manage, and develop a regional team of natural resource scientists and technical staff.
• Oversee natural resource surveys, including wetland and stream delineations, habitat assessments, and endangered species surveys and monitoring.
• Ensure quality control and consistency of data collection and reporting across multiple projects and field teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level staff, promoting professional growth and expertise.
• Collaborate with project managers to support proposal development, cost estimating, client engagement, and responding to Requests for Proposals/Qualifications (RFPs/RFQs).
• Actively participate in business development efforts to expand departmental capabilities, increase market presence, and secure new projects and clients.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations and best practices.
• Manage relationships with regulatory agencies (e.g., USFWS, USACE, state environmental departments) to facilitate timely permit approvals and compliance.
• Lead efforts to expand department capabilities and regional presence through strategic hiring, training, and business development support.
• Ensure all work complies with safety protocols, internal procedures, and legal requirements.
• Represent the department in meetings, presentations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline, knowledge and awareness.
• Additional duties as required.
Qualifications:
• Minimum of bachelor's degree in biology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in natural resources management, environmental permitting, compliance, and endangered species conservation, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience managing and growing technical teams in a regional setting.
• Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management within the natural resources or environmental consulting industry.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations including Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, NEPA, and state-level permitting processes.
• Demonstrated success coordinating with regulatory agencies such as USFWS, USACE, state environmental agencies, and local boards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience preparing technical reports, permit applications, and client proposals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with GIS software.
• Ability to travel regionally as needed (approximately 25%).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience coordinating with the following regulatory entities: USFWS, VDWR, USACE, DEQ, VMRC, Local Wetland Boards, and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Boards.
This position requires the candidate to be a U.S. Citizen due to the projects they will be working on.
Background Check (if applicable): If this position requires a CAC card, CUI Enclave Access and/or a Security Clearance, a background check will be completed.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position requires the ability to:
• Remain stationary, move about and traverse uneven terrain for extended periods during field assessments.
• Move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Use manual dexterity for tasks such as operating field sampling equipment, writing, and data entry.
• Conduct fieldwork in various environmental conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The role involves:
• A combination of office and fieldwork settings, with the majority of fieldwork conducted outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Frequent travel to project sites, which may include remote locations requiring overnight stays.
• Exposure to natural environments, including wetlands, streams, and construction sites, necessitating adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Language & Communication Skills: The position requires strong written and oral communication skills. The candidate must be fluent in the English language, both in writing and speaking. Specific requirements include:
• The ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports, permit applications, and project documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with clients, regulatory agencies, and team members.
• Experience presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders in a professional manner.
Other Skills: The following skills are required and/or preferred for the position:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for document preparation and data analysis.
• Familiarity with GIS software for mapping and data visualization.
• Basic mathematical skills for data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience with environmental sampling and assessment tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance standards relevant to aquatic resources and permitting processes.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
Twitter: @TetraTechJobs
Facebook: @TetraTechCareers
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.
Additional Information- Organization: 112 EGS
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