Natural Resources Team Lead

SWCA is currently seeking applications for a Natural Resources Team Lead, supporting our operations throughout Minnesota and the Dakotas. The Natural Resources Team Lead is responsible for providing leadership within the Minnesota/Dakotas Natural Resources Program by managing staff, projects, and clients. The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of developing new business, managing complex projects, meeting financial goals, and mentoring others to do the same.

The Natural Resources Team Lead will report to the Office Director out of SWCA’s Minneapolis, MN office. The offices in Bismarck, ND and Minneapolis, MN offer a collaborative and supportive work environment, and specialize in natural and cultural resource management, environmental planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will have a depth of experience and familiarity with the business environment of Minnesota and the Dakotas. This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), salaried position based out of Minneapolis, MN or Bismarck, ND. Individuals living in Minnesota are preferred. Remote (= distributed) employees in the Upper Plains/Midwest geography are encouraged to apply.  If remote, occasional travel to the local offices would be expected. 

This job opening can hire at two levels:

• Senior Natural Resources Team Lead: minimum eight (8) years of experience and expertise.
• Natural Resources Team Lead: minimum six (6) years of experience and expertise.

• Lead the Upper Plains Natural Resources Program and support execution of a forward-looking regional strategy.
• Partner with the Office Director to recruit and hire Natural Resources staff.
• Provide team support related to technical resources, training opportunities, and regulatory updates.
• Promote compliance with safety policies and reporting requirements.

• Evaluate regional market conditions and identify strategic growth opportunities with existing and prospective clients.
• Lead go/no-go decisions and support efficient proposal and marketing pursuits in coordination with the Office Director.
• Foster a sell-doer culture through mentorship, accountability, and participation in business development initiatives.
• Build relationships with industry organizations, agency representatives, and key stakeholders to expand SWCA's presence across the Upper Plains.

Six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others. Eight years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education. Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree.

• Bachelor’s (B.A. or B.S.) degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the natural resources/environmental science field, including at least four (4) years in environmental consulting. 
• Three (3) years of natural resources (or related) project management experience, including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, and scopes of work from pre-field tasks to final report preparation.
• Previous experience with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations in the greater Upper Plains/Midwest area.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• An ability to take ownership of responsibilities and provide potential solutions to problems encountered on the job.
• Ability to pass a motor vehicle screening.
• Applicants must have valid driver’s license and be able to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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