Environmental Wetlands Department Head

ENVIRONMENTAL/WETLANDS DEPARTMENT MANAGER

Location | Norfolk, VA

Full-Time | Monday - Friday 40 hours per week

Pay | Varies based on education and experience.

Stokes Environmental Associates is seeking an experienced wetland professional to grow our wetlands, permitting, and ecological consulting services throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.

This role is ideal for someone who combines management experience with a strong understanding of environmental and wetland regulations and permitting. Needed traits include the ability to build trusted relationships, identify opportunities, and guide clients through complex environmental challenges, while mentoring and supervising employees.

This role is focused on business development, client relationships, and project oversight. It requires sufficient technical expertise to advise clients and support project teams. You will work closely with leadership as well as project managers and technical staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Relationship Building:

• Develop and maintain relationships with developers, engineers, attorneys, contractors, municipalities, and other clients.
• Identify and pursue opportunities related to wetlands, permitting, due diligence, mitigation, and ecological services.
• Expand services and relationships with existing clients and help grow SEA’s wetland and environmental consulting.
• Prepare and review proposals, scopes of work, and project budgets.

Client Advisory & Environmental Consulting:

• Provide guidance on wetlands and permitting requirements as needed for wetland permits and approvals.
• Coordinate and interface with clients and regulatory agencies in order to obtain approvable wetland permit applications.
• Meet with prospective and existing clients to discuss project needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Collaborate with technical staff regarding wetland delineations, permits, banks, and related service areas.

Project Oversight & Performance Management:

• Assist with workload planning and project prioritization to meet client goals.
• Monitor active projects to ensure schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client expectations are being met.
• Support project managers and technical staff.
• Identify and address project issues to meet goals for timelines, budgets, and client satisfaction.

This is a leadership opportunity for an experienced environmental/wetland professional with technical knowledge in wetland delineations, permitting, and mitigation banking.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, ecology, biology, environmental engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of professional experience in environmental consulting
• Strong understanding of wetland regulations, environmental permitting, site due diligence, and environmental compliance processes
• Ability to discuss environmental issues confidently and proficiently
• Strong organizational and business judgement skills
• Ability to identify opportunities, build long-term client relationships, and establish professional relationships with regulatory agencies
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) certification preferred
• Experience with VA DEQ and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting required

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• 90% Employer-paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Matching
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

About Us:

• Stokes Environmental Associates, Ltd. (SEA) is a family-owned and operated environmental consulting and testing firm that has been serving our loyal clients for over 35 years. As a certified SWaM small business, we are proud to support our community while delivering high-quality environmental assessments, regulatory guidance, testing, and a wide assortment of environmental consulting services. Our team combines technical expertise with a personal, client-focused approach, helping organizations and individuals navigate complex environmental regulations and achieve their project goals with confidence. Our team of highly skilled experts are dedicated to providing practical, high-quality solutions tailored to each client’s goals.