Ecological – Principal

Overview

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) is looking for a senior ecological professional to build and lead an Ecological Practice in our Cleveland, OH office. CEC’s corporate Ecological Practice accounts for roughly 10% of our annual revenues, making it an essential part of the integrated services that we offer to our clients. CEC’s Ecological Practice distinguishes itself from the service offerings of other firms because of the breadth of our technical expertise that includes: wetland and stream assessments, delineations, and mitigation; Section 401/404 permitting; endangered species surveys, including bats and plants; and ecosystem restoration. At CEC, ecologists are on the same career path and have the same opportunities as the civil engineers and other members of the organization.  You will also be responsible for developing business for CEC through utilization of your existing network and internal CEC resources. You’ll work with local and regional management to grow and lead a practice, as well as lead and manage projects.

Why CEC?

• We’re 100% Employee-Owned, and all full-time employees can become owners within their first year
• Clear career path with opportunities to grow into senior project management, technical leadership, or practice leadership roles
• Profitable, employee-centered culture: 55% of company profits are returned to our employees through our annual bonus pool
• Comprehensive benefits start on Day 1, including health, vision, dental, life, disability, pet insurance, FSA/HSA, and more
• 401(k) with company match plus up to 2% profit-sharing contribution, fully vested starting the first of the month after you join
• Collaborative, flexible workplace, with hybrid options that support work–life balance and professional autonomy
• Culture that values innovation, mentorship, community involvement, and cross-disciplinary collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or related technical field
• Local and national contacts and the ability to develop and market to new and existing clients, expanding the delivery of our services to the energy, solid waste, oil/gas, manufacturing, public sector, mining, and real estate markets
• 15+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: aquatic ecology, threatened and endangered species consultation, Environmental Planning (NEPA/FERC), or environmental permitting and reporting
• Ability to manage multiple activities, technical professionals and targeted client base
• Knowledge of Section 401, 402, 404 Federal Clean Water Act Regulations
• Experience working with state and federal regulators and demonstrated understanding of regulations from agencies such as EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Writing skills and preparation of technical reports
• Ability to provide senior technical expertise and mentoring to staff and managers in the ecological practice

About Us

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community – focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite – focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA – focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women – focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!

We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you – that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS

If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited.  Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.