Project Management Technical Director - Northern/Central California

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an experienced and strategic-minded Project Management Technical Director to join our Northern and Central California Subregion. In this role, you will lead and grow large, complex client relationships while overseeing the successful delivery of complex environmental consulting projects and programs. You will work closely with clients and internal technical experts to understand client needs, develop effective project approaches, and ensure projects are executed on time, on budget, and with the highest standards of quality.

Reporting to the Northern and Central California Vice President, you will collaborate with senior leadership, clients, and multidisciplinary technical teams to drive strategy, support business growth, and ensure delivery excellence across large, complex clients and projects. The successful candidate will lead through influence, translate strategic goals into measurable outcomes, and work closely with senior and principal-level staff to promote consistent project execution, operational efficiency, and exceptional client service. This role offers the opportunity to shape technical direction, strengthen project management practices, lead high-performing teams, and contribute to the long-term growth and success of SWCA's Northern and Central California business.

This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), salaried/exempt, hybrid eligible or 100% distributed (=remote) opportunity based out of any SWCA office in the domestic United States. Preference may be given to candidates located within or near the Northern and Central California Subregion. Depending on project and client needs, this position will require regional travel to support client engagement, project oversight, business development activities, and team collaboration.

A letter of interest and resume are required for this application.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted through November 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Work with the VP of Northern and Central California and other Directors to identify and implement strategic initiatives and drive project management consistency across the subregion.
• Be a senior leader who implements and maintains a suite of project management standards, best practices, processes, tools, and templates.
• Strengthen cross-discipline collaboration across all offices within the subregion.
• Champion cross-discipline communication to ensure tools, standards, and processes are understood, accepted, and successfully executed.
• Lead change management efforts related to the rollout of project management practices and tools, focusing on engagement, communication, and user adoption within the subregion.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of project performance, including targeted project management training to address the needs of the subregion.
• Track Project Management Plans as required and support project managers in their development and implementation.
• Identify and help track key performance indicators (KPIs) that support successful growth and performance across the subregion.
• Assist Operations leaders with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, supervising, and mentoring project management talent.
• Oversee large and complex multidisciplinary projects as a project, client, or contract manager, including maintaining a productivity goal of 50%.

Minimum Qualifications

Twelve (12) years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including six (6) years of managing projects and some experience managing others. Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental planning, geology, engineering, geography, business administration, project management, or a related discipline.
• Twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, project controls, program management, or a related professional services environment.
• Six (6) years of leadership experience within a consulting, environmental services, engineering, or professional services organization.
• Demonstrated success developing, implementing, and sustaining project management standards, processes, tools, and best practices across a geographically distributed organization.
• Proven ability to lead large, complex, multidisciplinary projects and programs while maintaining high standards of quality, operational performance, and client service.
• Strong expertise in project scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and project performance management methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical and business concepts effectively to a wide range of audiences, including executive leadership, clients, project teams, and technical staff.
• Proven ability to influence outcomes, build alignment, and achieve results across teams and business functions without direct authority.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change initiatives, including process implementation, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, project managers, clients, and leaders across the organization.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel periodically for leadership meetings, project oversight, client engagement, and operational collaboration (anticipated travel approximately 1-2 times per quarter).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or other recognized project management credential.
• Project management, project controls, scientific, or technical experience in environmental consulting, biological sciences, cultural resources, or related disciplines.
• Experience developing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), project performance metrics, and operational reporting to support organizational growth and project delivery excellence.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring, coaching, and developing project managers or technical professionals.
• Recognized as a trusted mentor and collaborative leader who fosters engagement, teamwork, and professional growth.

Other Job Conditions

When driving is required 

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

When traveling is required 

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.  

Safety Expectations 

Serve as an ambassador for SWCA’s Safety Culture and implementation 

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Northern California-based position is $132,350.40 to $174,283.20 per year. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.

As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.  This position is also eligible our Director+ bonus and unlimited vacation.

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact accommodations@swca.com or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

Use of Technology in Hiring 

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidate Use of AI 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.