Natural Resources Technical Director

Job Description

Join a global professional services leader! We are committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanization.

Our U.S. Central Environmental business is looking for a Natural Resources Technical Director to join their Natural Resources, Impact Assessment and Permitting team based out of Detroit, MI or Cincinnati, OH
. Additional consideration will be given for preferred applicants based out of Indianapolis, IN
, St. Paul, MN
, or Chicago, IL
. In this role, you will be a leader on a growing team of ecologists/scientists with an objective of growing our business in the North Central U.S. This role requires a seller‑doer who is experienced in developing and maintaining client relationships and supporting their needs. Additionally, the selected candidate will identify opportunities, lead pursuits, manage projects, as well as prepare and oversee the development of technical reports and permit applications for federal, state and local government agencies.

This role requires a motivated professional who can balance business development responsibilities with project obligations and personnel mentorship.

The selected candidate will have established client relationships in the Midwest and be able to win work through GHD’s existing client base and/or new clients. The selected candidate will also work with existing staff to further develop a growth strategy for expanding Natural Resources, Impact Assessment and Permitting services. Preference will be given to candidates with experience managing or working on major capital projects, such as those involving complex permitting or NEPA processes.

• Establish and develop strategic long‑term relationships with current and prospective clients and teaming partners
• Identify opportunities through client discussions, invited tenders, and/or public solicitations
• Establish a pipeline of new work (revenue + backlog) of $250K within the first year of employment with the expectation of increased financial performance goals in years two and three
• Lead development of proposals (scope, schedule, budget)
• Lead technical projects: maintaining client satisfaction while ensuring projects are delivered safely and within scope, schedule and budget
• Mentor and train junior staff
• Direct conduct field assessments including wetland delineations and habitat assessments for rare, threatened or endangered flora and fauna
• Write and produce technical reports based on field data collection; QA/QC of other staff output
• Liaise with federal, state and municipal regulatory agencies
• Support existing GHD clients with the implementation of efficient and innovative solutions to address their project needs

• Approximately ten to fifteen (10-15) years of experience in environmental consulting or a similar field
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Biology, Ecology or a related field
• Experience with managing/mentoring staff
• Professional certification such as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) or similar (preferred)
• Expertise with local, state and federal environmental regulations and permitting requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both within a team and independently
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects and tasks in a fast‑paced environment
• Able and willing to travel to job sites as needed for field activities

• 401(k) – Employees are eligible to participate on the first day of the month following three months of service
• Paid time off – PTO starts at 16 days per year and increases with years of service
• Holiday pay – Holiday pay is provided for eligible employees. GHD observes nine holidays per year
• Wellness benefit – Regular full‑term employees are eligible to participate in the wellness reimbursement program. GHD will reimburse 50% of the cost of the following to a maximum of $250.00 annually: health club membership fees, home exercise equipment purchases, bicycles, race/run & marathon entrance fees, smoking cessation programs, weight loss programs, fitbits and fitness tracking devices

Salary Range: $79,380.00 – $ based on experience and location.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.