Senior Scientist/Project Manager
About Us
We build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.
“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.
When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.
Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.
A Day in the Life
We are currently seeking a Senior Scientist/Project Manager with significant renewable permitting, planning, client management, and group-leading experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong science background to support a variety of energy projects in CO, WY, NE, UT, NM, AZ, GA, MS, and TX. This position would support clients with planning and managing permit requirements for wind, and solar, hydrogen, electric power generation, and other related energy projects. Experience managing all components of sitting, permitting, and development of energy projects, regulatory knowledge and agency coordination is required. A proven track record of providing quality, on-time products for clients, both internal and external within the energy sector is required.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced leader who is adaptable, with demonstrated communication and leadership experience, and someone dedicated to leading a positive and team-work oriented internal culture of our natural resources group.
This is an hourly, part-time, as needed position with compensation range of $60 to $100 per hour, commensurate with experience and skills. This is a hybrid role that will be based in Colorado.
As a key member of the team, this role will be responsible for a full range of activities including:
Manage full-life cycle of biological resources of small to large-scale projects simultaneously.
Technical writing including proposals, technical reports, permits & permit-related documents, and senior level reviews of peer prepared reports.
Maintain and oversee project budgets and schedules; prepare and review work scopes, survey plans and budgets to support project proposals.
Oversee natural resource surveys and reports (e.g., wetland, wildlife, raptor, vegetation, reclamation) and management per SOW.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across Montrose to support shared goals and project success.
Support Montrose’s business development efforts by cultivating client relationships and securing new projects and opportunities.
The position may require travel and an occasional overnight stay for client meetings, project sites and project meetings on an as-needed basis < 10% of time.
Provide coordination, oversight, and training to staff in conducting natural resource and compliance surveys, preparing technical reports, and executing permitting requirements.
Maintain and track progress for professional and personal goals with team members.
Effectively communicate with team members on project status & staffing needs.
Maintain and support data collection, and database management in support of clients and internal use.
Coordinate and maintain efforts and oversee quality of work for projects, project schedule, scope of work, budgets, and client relations associated with clients.
Additional duties as required
Your Expertise and Skills
These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field, Master’s preferred
Minimum of 5+ years of experience managing renewable energy projects, including team leadership and full project life-cycle execution.
Strong knowledge of renewable energy development and/or upstream/downstream energy sectors, including permitting processes and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated expertise in federal, state, and local regulations related to threatened & endangered species, migratory birds, wetlands, biological resources, and Clean Water Act Section 404.
Experience with Colorado 1041 permits, Conditional Use Permits (CUP), Special Use Permits (SUP), and related local permitting frameworks.
Proven ability to interface effectively with regulatory agencies, clients, Boards of Commissioners, and community stakeholders.
Experience conducting wildlife, migratory bird, habitat, and vegetation assessments; strong understanding of western U.S. ecosystems.
Proficiency in technical writing, study plan development, baseline condition reporting, impact analysis, proposal preparation, and cost estimating.
Strong data management and analysis skills, including experience with electronic data collection tools (e.g., tablets).
Proficient in ESRI (ArcGIS), Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms (Teams, Zoom, Google Meet).
Demonstrated leadership, organization, and time management skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Strong commitment to safety culture and hazard mitigation in field environments.
Wetland delineation certification and Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) credential preferred.
Ability to work in a hybrid (remote and in-office) environment and cross-train to support additional environmental service lines.
Demonstrated strong leadership, technical writing, communication, organization, and time management skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work in fast-paced environments.
