Project Manager – Natural Resources and Environmental Permitting

Location: Remote (Southern CA region preferred)
Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000 annually

Spheros Environmental is looking for a Project Manager (PM) to lead the project team to achieve specific and measurable project goals, including project quality and financial success. The PM is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the project. The PM needs to plan ahead, point the project in the right direction, track progress, and make adjustments when needed to best manage natural resources, permitting, or planning.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical

• Understands applicable codes, company standards, safety requirements, and client-specific requirements. Reviews work for compliance and communicates the standards to the team.
• Assists in project quality control reviews and continuous improvements.
• Works closely with other technical staff and with peers in the industry to provide consulting services.
• Coordinates and directs multi-discipline teams, including subconsultants.
• Clearly communicates technical concepts, both verbally and in writing.
• Constantly seeks knowledge and provides an environment that encourages innovation. Proactively takes lead in implementing innovation into projects and delivery processes.
• Open to suggestions and new ideas.
• Other ad hoc duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Project Management

• Guides the team towards technical solutions. Solicits input from the client on technical solutions when appropriate. Asks probing questions to vet out solutions.
• When client requests are out of scope, review additional services priced by business leadership team members. Actively manages scope creep of the team.
• Reviews and approves all client invoices on assigned projects.
• Prepares strategic plans for project success. Maintains project schedules. Directs certain members of a team through specific portion(s) of a project with assistance from senior staff positions.
• Guides the team leveraging knowledge of planning, delivery, and completion to make informed recommendations to the client.
• Has full responsibility for managing small to mid-size projects. Works with minimal supervision from a Senior Project Manager or Principal. Responsible for coordination of overall project efforts to ensure project completion and quality while maximizing both the Client’s satisfaction and the Firm’s profitability and mitigating risk to the Firm.
• Asks thoughtful, relevant, and open-ended questions to better understand client’s needs. Actively listens to develop rapport.
• Serves as primary liaison contact with clients and authorities having jurisdiction. Actively manages project communication and documentation while providing a positive motivating force for the project and its participants.
• May represent clients at public meetings.
• Manages relationship with internal and external clients, local agencies, other consulting companies, and contractors.

Business Development

• Leverages professional network to engage with the industry on thought leadership. Participates and looks for opportunities to lead in professional organizations.
• Supports business development activities including community and client events, presentations, and approach to teaming arrangements.
• Actively contributes to professional networks to share relevant knowledge expected from the client.
• Develops detailed proposals and estimates in support of the bidding process, working collaboratively with the marketing department, for small to mid-size projects.
• Coordinates with technical leads and marketing operations on pursuits and proposals.
• Responsible for developing new client business and engaging in strategic Business Development planning for the department.
• Create and participate in strategies for building company’s name recognition.
• Identifies opportunities and prepare strategies for client business development and marketing initiatives.
• Identifies regional-specific industry trends for various services.

Leadership / Management

• Oversees project and forward looking
• Responsible for the improvement of operations, increasing project efficiency and quality, and building a culture of delivering excellent client service. Leads continuous improvement efforts as requested by senior leadership.
• Encourages a people first approach and entrepreneurial initiative in all staff. Guides the team in assessing risk management and business impact when implementing process improvement.
• Possesses a desire for lifelong learning. Trains newly hired staff and assists with the development of staff through day-to-day interactions. Participates in formal mentorship programs.

Financial Acumen

• Responsible for project profitability.
• Monitors and manages team labor expenses.
• Creates labor forecasts and budgets for necessary staff. Verifying budget and adjusted as needed.

Client Service

• Build relationship capital with clients through project work and networking events.
• Developing skills to have difficult discussions with clients.
• Exhibits a balance of self-confidence and humility. Cultivates and gains trust through active listening and being a team player.
• Works closely with senior staff members to cross market and integrate services for existing clients.
• Develops quality relationships with assigned clients and analyzes client circumstances to recognize new business opportunities.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years, 1+ years of PM experience in environmental consulting
• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience in natural resources, wildlife, botany, ecology, planning, or equivalent
• Experience with natural resources in CA, NV, and/or AZ – ecology, wildlife, botany, planning, or related field
• CEQA and NEPA permitting - LSAA, WDR, ITP, EIS, EA, BA, BE
• Experience with renewables, utilities, municipalities preferred
• Section 7 agency consultation
• Experience contributing to or overseeing preparation of natural resource technical plans, reports, or permitting
• Microsoft Suite, Google Earth, Company Software (ERP, CRM, HRM etc.), and ArcGIS familiarity

Why Spheros Environmental?

• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a balanced work-life with the option to work from home one day per week.
• Competitive Compensation: Generous salary range with bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a company that values collaboration and client service.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Apply today! Spheros Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer.