Senior Ecologist Project Manager
Technical Leadership Opportunity
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC (Athena), headquartered just outside vibrant Nashville, Tennessee, is a growing woman-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm delivering innovative solutions nationwide. Our multidisciplinary expertise includes geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, ecological services, water resources, land surveying, and Value Engineering.
We proudly serve federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as transportation, energy, industrial, water, and commercial clients. By combining technical excellence with innovation and collaboration, we help our clients solve complex infrastructure and environmental challenges while delivering solutions that create lasting value.
From transportation corridors and energy development to critical water resources projects and environmental restoration initiatives, Athena's ecological professionals support projects that protect natural resources while enabling responsible growth and resilient communities.
LOCATION & TRAVEL
Location: Goodlettsville (Nashville), Tennessee preferred. Hybrid work opportunities may be considered for highly qualified candidates.
Travel: Approximately 10–20% domestic travel is expected for field investigations, project site visits, client meetings, agency coordination, and technical reviews.
JOB OVERVIEW
Athena is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist | Project Manager to provide technical leadership and project management support within Athena's growing environmental team.
This position offers the opportunity to lead meaningful ecological projects, manage complex environmental assignments, support regulatory strategies, build client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth of Athena's ecological services. The successful candidate will oversee ecological assessments, permitting efforts, agency coordination, and technical deliverables while mentoring environmental professionals and serving as a trusted advisor to clients.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative environmental professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, working across disciplines, and making a measurable impact on projects that balance infrastructure needs with environmental stewardship.
PURPOSE
The Senior Ecologist | Project Manager is responsible for leading ecological investigations, managing environmental project delivery, and providing technical expertise to support successful project outcomes.
This role combines advanced ecological knowledge with project management responsibilities, including proposal development, project planning, regulatory coordination, technical review, client communication, and staff mentoring.
The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader within Athena's environmental practice, ensuring high-quality ecological services while supporting the firm's continued growth and reputation for excellence.
MAJOR TASKS
Technical Leadership & Project Management
Provide technical leadership for ecological assessments, wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, threatened and endangered species surveys, and other environmental studies.
Serve as task lead or project manager for complex environmental and multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
Prepare, review, and oversee ecological reports, technical memoranda, permitting documents, and regulatory submittals.
Support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, including Environmental Assessments (EA) and related environmental compliance activities.
Develop and implement regulatory strategies to support project permitting and environmental compliance.
Coordinate directly with regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), state agencies, and local authorities.
Lead Clean Water Act permitting efforts, including Sections 401 and 404, with additional support for Section 10 permitting as needed.
Advise clients on environmental compliance strategies, avoidance and minimization measures, mitigation solutions, and permitting requirements.
Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, staffing, and deliverables to ensure successful project completion.
Review technical work products prepared by staff ecologists and provide quality assurance/quality control oversight.
Support proposal preparation, client development, and strategic growth initiatives for Athena's ecological services.
Mentor and develop junior environmental professionals through technical guidance, field training, and professional development.
Promote Athena's commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
Lead technical execution and project management activities for assigned ecological and environmental projects.
Provide technical direction and oversight to environmental project teams while maintaining Athena's quality standards.
Coordinate directly with clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and project stakeholders.
Recommend project approaches, staffing needs, technical solutions, and resource allocations.
Exercise independent judgment in managing environmental assignments and regulatory strategies consistent with professional standards and Athena's objectives.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate combines strong ecological expertise with project management experience, regulatory knowledge, and leadership ability.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or related field.
Minimum of 6 years of environmental consulting experience.
Demonstrated experience leading ecological assessments and environmental permitting efforts.
Strong technical knowledge of wetland delineations, stream assessments, habitat evaluations, and threatened and endangered species surveys.
Working knowledge of the Clean Water Act, including Sections 401 and 404, with familiarity with Section 10 permitting.
Experience preparing technical reports, regulatory documentation, and agency submittals.
Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying environmental conditions.
Valid driver's license.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage projects and communicate effectively with clients and regulatory agencies.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or related discipline.
Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) certification.
Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification or similar credential.
Experience with stream restoration, aquatic resource restoration, or related certifications.
Experience with compensatory mitigation and mitigation banking.
Familiarity with regional and state environmental regulations.
Established relationships with regulatory agencies.
Experience supporting federal, transportation, energy, or large infrastructure projects.
Experience with proposal development and business development activities.
WHY JOIN ATHENA?
Protect Natural Resources. Lead Projects. Build Your Legacy. This is more than an environmental consulting position. This is an opportunity to become a key technical leader within a growing consulting firm where your expertise directly influences infrastructure projects, environmental outcomes, and the continued growth of Athena's ecological practice.
At Athena, you'll have the opportunity to:
Make a Meaningful Impact – Support projects that protect natural resources while enabling critical infrastructure development.
Lead Complex Environmental Projects – Manage ecological assessments, permitting strategies, and multidisciplinary environmental assignments.
Build Client Relationships – Serve as a trusted advisor to public and private sector clients.
Grow a Practice Area – Help expand Athena's ecological services through technical leadership, mentoring, and business development.
Mentor Future Professionals – Guide and develop the next generation of environmental scientists and ecologists.
Collaborate Across Disciplines – Work alongside experts in geotechnical engineering, water resources, surveying, environmental services, and Value Engineering.
Advance Your Career – Gain leadership opportunities while continuing professional development.
Join a Collaborative Culture – Be part of a team built on integrity, accountability, innovation, and teamwork.
BENEFITS
Competitive salary
Performance-based bonus opportunities
Profit sharing
401(k) with company match
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Company-paid life insurance
Paid time off
Flexible work schedule
Professional development assistance
Continuing education and certification support
Retirement plan
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Ready to help clients maximize value while shaping the future of infrastructure? Join Athena Engineering and Environmental and become part of a growing team that's committed to technical excellence, innovation, and making a lasting impact. We look forward to learning how your expertise can help drive our continued success.
Apply here or submit your resume via careers@athenaee.com