Lead NEPA Ecologist

Job Description

This is a strategic leadership position for a motivated and technically strong environmental professional. The Lead NEPA Ecologist will split their time equally between leading technical execution and engaging in industry development. This role involves spearheading NEPA environmental review processes for various projects and representing the firm in the environmental space.

ResponsibilitiesLead NEPA environmental review processes for transportation, stormwater, and land development projects.Conduct and oversee wetlands and stream delineations, habitat assessments, and threatened/endangered species surveys.Prepare and manage Section 404 permitting for streams and wetlands, including coordination with USACE, GDOT, SCDOT, EPA, and USFWS.Support stormwater permitting and collaborate with traffic engineers on corridor and safety studies.Ensure compliance with Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and NPDES/MS4 regulations.Utilize GIS, GPS, and ecological data tools for fieldwork and documentation.Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and networking functions.Build relationships with local governments, agencies, and partners.Support proposal development and client presentations.Help grow the environmental services practice and contribute to the firm’s strategic expansion.Essential Skills10+ years of experience in NEPA documentation and stream/wetland permitting.Experience in wetland delineation, stream evaluations, and environmental permitting.Educational background in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or Geology with a focus on aquatic systems or environmental applications.Strong technical writing and communication skills.Ability to manage projects independently and mentor junior staff.Additional Skills & QualificationsPassion for client engagement, industry visibility, and team collaboration.Experience in business development and networking.Ability to manage projects valued between $0.5 to $1 million with 50% utilization.Work Environment

This role offers a flexible schedule and involves a 50/50 split between technical work on permitting and plans, and representing the firm in the industry through business development and networking activities. The position allows you to be part of a growth-focused firm with a strong regional presence, working alongside decision-makers and senior leadership. The company maintains a small-firm culture while offering large-firm capabilities, providing the opportunity to make a lasting impact on communities and infrastructure across the Southeast.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Duluth, Georgia.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Duluth,GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.