Principal Environmental Consultant Jobs
Principal Environmental Consultant jobs are open across engineering, energy, government contracting, and natural resources sectors, from mid-career specialist to senior principal and practice lead, with specializations in regulatory compliance, remediation, and environmental impact assessment. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 48+ Principal Environmental Consultant jobs
INTRODUCTION
Terraphase offers cost-effective solutions to complex environmental and engineering challenges. We listen to our clients and focus on their needs. We apply technical expertise and keen awareness of the regulatory framework to achieve our clients' project goals and objectives. The combined talent and experience of Terraphase's engineers, geologists, and scientists form the foundation for a comprehensive environmental management approach.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Founded in 2010, Terraphase Engineering is a dynamic, privately owned environmental consulting firm seeking a Principal Environmental Compliance Consultant—Scientist, Geologist, or Engineer—with 18 or more years of professional experience to help lead, grow, and support our Compliance Services Division.
Compliance is one of Terraphase's four core service areas, alongside Environmental, Site Engineering, and Water Resources. As one of our fastest-growing service areas, the division is central to Terraphase's long-term growth strategy, with dedicated resources and leadership focused on expanding our capabilities and reach.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for a proven seller-doer who combines technical expertise, established client relationships, and sound business judgment. We are looking for a senior colleague to partner with our national compliance leadership, bring an active book of business, and take a meaningful role in serving and expanding Terraphase's existing client base.
At Terraphase, you'll enjoy the personal attention and entrepreneurial culture of a small-to-mid-sized firm with fewer than 200 people, supported by multidisciplinary resources and offices across the United States. You'll have the opportunity to help shape strategy, develop your client portfolio, mentor emerging leaders, and deliver practical solutions that help clients manage risk, improve operations, and meet their environmental obligations.
A FLEXIBLE SENIOR-LEVEL ROLE
We recognize that accomplished professionals may be looking for different ways to contribute at this stage of their careers. We welcome candidates seeking either full-time employment or a meaningful part-time leadership role.
The position may be based at any Terraphase office nationally. Candidates outside our existing office markets are also encouraged to apply; alternative locations and remote or hybrid arrangements will be considered where a mutually agreeable business and working arrangement can be established.
Much of the senior-level work involves technical direction, desktop review, client relationships, and team leadership. Responsibilities, availability, business development expectations, and project commitments will be aligned with the agreed schedule and role. Travel will be based on client, project, and team needs.
THE ROLE
-
Partner with national compliance leadership to expand the practice, identify priority opportunities, and help shape its long-term growth strategy.
-
Maintain and grow an established portfolio of client relationships while actively supporting Terraphase's existing clients and compliance programs.
-
Develop new business through professional relationships, referrals, industry engagement, and targeted pursuits, and identify opportunities to expand services within existing accounts.
-
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental requirements, including state-specific regulations in California, Washington, New Jersey, and Texas, and federal programs under the Clean Water Act, RCRA, Clean Air Act, EPCRA, and related authorities. Translate these requirements into practical compliance strategies for clients operating across multiple jurisdictions.
-
Lead large-scale, multisite, and multistate compliance programs, translating complex requirements into practical actions that fit client operations.
-
Serve as a trusted advisor to corporate leaders, environmental managers, and facility personnel, including guiding regulatory negotiations and agency interactions.
-
Direct projects involving compliance audits, gap analyses, discharge monitoring, hazardous waste and materials management, stormwater and wastewater, tank and spill prevention programs, air quality, litigation support, and permitting, consistent with your technical expertise.
-
Help clients prioritize findings, implement corrective actions, and develop effective approaches to ongoing compliance management.
-
Develop proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules, and lead responses to small and large requests for proposals and statements of qualifications.
-
Support project bidding, contract solicitation, and pursuit strategy while maintaining realistic commitments for staffing, technical delivery, and profitability.
-
Oversee and mentor consultants, scientists, and engineers, and manage subcontractors and vendors.
-
Help project managers and emerging leaders develop their client management, business development, and technical leadership skills.
-
Provide quality assurance and technical review of reports, plans, specifications, and other deliverables.
-
Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends to anticipate client needs and identify appropriate service opportunities.
-
Collaborate across offices and disciplines to deliver coordinated, cost-effective solutions and connect clients with Terraphase's broader capabilities.
WHO YOU ARE
-
You have 18 or more years of relevant professional experience focused on environmental compliance, including substantial experience in consulting. Candidates currently working in industry or other leadership roles who have prior consulting experience are welcome.
-
You hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
-
You bring an established book of business and active client relationships, supported by a demonstrated record of generating and delivering consulting work.
-
You are interested in both developing your own client portfolio and taking responsibility for serving and growing an existing client base.
-
You have demonstrated success leading complex compliance programs, managing client portfolios, and balancing business development with project execution.
-
You offer recognized expertise in one or more environmental compliance disciplines and a strong understanding of federal and multistate regulatory frameworks.
-
You can connect technical recommendations with clients' operational priorities, business objectives, and risk management needs.
-
You communicate effectively with clients, regulators, technical teams, and business leaders, including through proposals, presentations, and negotiations.
-
You are a collaborative leader who mentors others, shares opportunities across teams, and maintains high standards for technical quality, client service, and professional integrity.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
-
Relevant professional licensure or certification, such as PE, PG, or CHMM, or demonstrated subject matter leadership in areas such as hazardous waste, stormwater, air quality, or other compliance disciplines.
-
Experience developing and managing national or regional client programs, including consistent approaches to compliance across multiple facilities.
-
Experience with environmental management systems, compliance tracking, or tools that help clients manage recurring obligations and corrective actions.
-
Familiarity with government platforms such as EPA CDX, CERS, RCRAInfo/myRCRAid, TRI-MEweb, ECHO, E-Plan, and similar compliance systems.
-
Familiarity with, or experience leading teams who use, ArcGIS, Power BI, AutoCAD, and comparable tools.
-
Participation in professional associations, technical presentations, or other activities that build industry relationships and demonstrate technical leadership.
WHO WE ARE
We are an environmental consulting company that offers cost-effective solutions to complex environmental and engineering challenges. We apply technical expertise and keen awareness of the regulatory framework to achieve our clients' project goals and objectives. The combined talent and experience of Terraphase's engineers, geologists, and scientists form the foundation for a comprehensive environmental management approach.
Terraphase was founded with the goal of developing a full-service engineering and consulting firm that provides high-quality services to clients with regional and nationwide operations. We are driven by creating valuable work products for our company and clients, and a rewarding environment for our employees. Our staff is comprised of registered professionals in civil engineering, geology, hydrogeology, and geotechnical engineering.
Our unique company culture philosophy of appreciating and recognizing individuals for their work, leadership, and mentoring, while supporting and encouraging a healthy personal and professional lifestyle help to make Terraphase one of the best places to work.
BENEFITS
Terraphase offers an extensive benefits package including; Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, a generous 401(k) match, Commuter Benefits, TerraLunches, TerraTalks, Tuition/Licensing/Professional Development Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedule, ongoing company-sponsored events.
EOE STATEMENT
Terraphase is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to an inclusive & diverse work environment where individual strengths and diverse viewpoints are respected and complement each other to achieve common goals. (EOE M/V/F/D)
Review our Privacy policy here.
INTRODUCTION
Terraphase offers cost-effective solutions to complex environmental and engineering challenges. We listen to our clients and focus on their needs. We apply technical expertise and keen awareness of the regulatory framework to achieve our clients' project goals and objectives. The combined talent and experience of Terraphase's engineers, geologists, and scientists form the foundation for a comprehensive environmental management approach.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Founded in 2010, Terraphase Engineering is a dynamic, privately owned environmental consulting firm seeking a Principal Environmental Compliance Consultant—Scientist, Geologist, or Engineer—with 18 or more years of professional experience to help lead, grow, and support our Compliance Services Division.
Compliance is one of Terraphase's four core service areas, alongside Environmental, Site Engineering, and Water Resources. As one of our fastest-growing service areas, the division is central to Terraphase's long-term growth strategy, with dedicated resources and leadership focused on expanding our capabilities and reach.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for a proven seller-doer who combines technical expertise, established client relationships, and sound business judgment. We are looking for a senior colleague to partner with our national compliance leadership, bring an active book of business, and take a meaningful role in serving and expanding Terraphase's existing client base.
At Terraphase, you'll enjoy the personal attention and entrepreneurial culture of a small-to-mid-sized firm with fewer than 200 people, supported by multidisciplinary resources and offices across the United States. You'll have the opportunity to help shape strategy, develop your client portfolio, mentor emerging leaders, and deliver practical solutions that help clients manage risk, improve operations, and meet their environmental obligations.
A FLEXIBLE SENIOR-LEVEL ROLE
We recognize that accomplished professionals may be looking for different ways to contribute at this stage of their careers. We welcome candidates seeking either full-time employment or a meaningful part-time leadership role.
The position may be based at any Terraphase office nationally. Candidates outside our existing office markets are also encouraged to apply; alternative locations and remote or hybrid arrangements will be considered where a mutually agreeable business and working arrangement can be established.
Much of the senior-level work involves technical direction, desktop review, client relationships, and team leadership. Responsibilities, availability, business development expectations, and project commitments will be aligned with the agreed schedule and role. Travel will be based on client, project, and team needs.
THE ROLE
-
Partner with national compliance leadership to expand the practice, identify priority opportunities, and help shape its long-term growth strategy.
-
Maintain and grow an established portfolio of client relationships while actively supporting Terraphase's existing clients and compliance programs.
-
Develop new business through professional relationships, referrals, industry engagement, and targeted pursuits, and identify opportunities to expand services within existing accounts.
-
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental requirements, including state-specific regulations in California, Washington, New Jersey, and Texas, and federal programs under the Clean Water Act, RCRA, Clean Air Act, EPCRA, and related authorities. Translate these requirements into practical compliance strategies for clients operating across multiple jurisdictions.
-
Lead large-scale, multisite, and multistate compliance programs, translating complex requirements into practical actions that fit client operations.
-
Serve as a trusted advisor to corporate leaders, environmental managers, and facility personnel, including guiding regulatory negotiations and agency interactions.
-
Direct projects involving compliance audits, gap analyses, discharge monitoring, hazardous waste and materials management, stormwater and wastewater, tank and spill prevention programs, air quality, litigation support, and permitting, consistent with your technical expertise.
-
Help clients prioritize findings, implement corrective actions, and develop effective approaches to ongoing compliance management.
-
Develop proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules, and lead responses to small and large requests for proposals and statements of qualifications.
-
Support project bidding, contract solicitation, and pursuit strategy while maintaining realistic commitments for staffing, technical delivery, and profitability.
-
Oversee and mentor consultants, scientists, and engineers, and manage subcontractors and vendors.
-
Help project managers and emerging leaders develop their client management, business development, and technical leadership skills.
-
Provide quality assurance and technical review of reports, plans, specifications, and other deliverables.
-
Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends to anticipate client needs and identify appropriate service opportunities.
-
Collaborate across offices and disciplines to deliver coordinated, cost-effective solutions and connect clients with Terraphase's broader capabilities.
WHO YOU ARE
-
You have 18 or more years of relevant professional experience focused on environmental compliance, including substantial experience in consulting. Candidates currently working in industry or other leadership roles who have prior consulting experience are welcome.
-
You hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
-
You bring an established book of business and active client relationships, supported by a demonstrated record of generating and delivering consulting work.
-
You are interested in both developing your own client portfolio and taking responsibility for serving and growing an existing client base.
-
You have demonstrated success leading complex compliance programs, managing client portfolios, and balancing business development with project execution.
-
You offer recognized expertise in one or more environmental compliance disciplines and a strong understanding of federal and multistate regulatory frameworks.
-
You can connect technical recommendations with clients' operational priorities, business objectives, and risk management needs.
-
You communicate effectively with clients, regulators, technical teams, and business leaders, including through proposals, presentations, and negotiations.
-
You are a collaborative leader who mentors others, shares opportunities across teams, and maintains high standards for technical quality, client service, and professional integrity.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
-
Relevant professional licensure or certification, such as PE, PG, or CHMM, or demonstrated subject matter leadership in areas such as hazardous waste, stormwater, air quality, or other compliance disciplines.
-
Experience developing and managing national or regional client programs, including consistent approaches to compliance across multiple facilities.
-
Experience with environmental management systems, compliance tracking, or tools that help clients manage recurring obligations and corrective actions.
-
Familiarity with government platforms such as EPA CDX, CERS, RCRAInfo/myRCRAid, TRI-MEweb, ECHO, E-Plan, and similar compliance systems.
-
Familiarity with, or experience leading teams who use, ArcGIS, Power BI, AutoCAD, and comparable tools.
-
Participation in professional associations, technical presentations, or other activities that build industry relationships and demonstrate technical leadership.
WHO WE ARE
We are an environmental consulting company that offers cost-effective solutions to complex environmental and engineering challenges. We apply technical expertise and keen awareness of the regulatory framework to achieve our clients' project goals and objectives. The combined talent and experience of Terraphase's engineers, geologists, and scientists form the foundation for a comprehensive environmental management approach.
Terraphase was founded with the goal of developing a full-service engineering and consulting firm that provides high-quality services to clients with regional and nationwide operations. We are driven by creating valuable work products for our company and clients, and a rewarding environment for our employees. Our staff is comprised of registered professionals in civil engineering, geology, hydrogeology, and geotechnical engineering.
Our unique company culture philosophy of appreciating and recognizing individuals for their work, leadership, and mentoring, while supporting and encouraging a healthy personal and professional lifestyle help to make Terraphase one of the best places to work.
BENEFITS
Terraphase offers an extensive benefits package including; Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, a generous 401(k) match, Commuter Benefits, TerraLunches, TerraTalks, Tuition/Licensing/Professional Development Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedule, ongoing company-sponsored events.
EOE STATEMENT
Terraphase is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to an inclusive & diverse work environment where individual strengths and diverse viewpoints are respected and complement each other to achieve common goals. (EOE M/V/F/D)
Review our Privacy policy here.
See All 48 Principal Environmental Consultant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPrincipal Environmental Consultant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Environmental Resources Management12
- Tetra Tech6
- Ramboll4
- Terraphase Engineering3
- ROUX2
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal environmental consultant jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, engineering, geology, or a related field
- Professional credentials such as PE, PG, CHMM, or state-specific environmental certifications
- Ten or more years of progressively responsible environmental consulting experience
- Demonstrated experience managing complex multi-discipline projects from initiation through regulatory closure
- Proficiency with environmental data management software, GIS platforms, and regulatory reporting systems
- Experience preparing and reviewing NEPA documents, CERCLA remedial investigations, or Phase I and Phase II ESAs
Tips for Your Principal Environmental Consultant Job Search
Tailor your resume to regulatory depth
Hiring managers for principal-level roles want to see which specific regulations you've worked under, such as CERCLA, NEPA, or state-specific equivalents. Name the agencies you've interfaced with and the scale of projects you've led, not just the types.
Highlight client-facing and business development work
Principal roles almost always carry a business development or client management component. If you've written proposals, grown accounts, or managed key client relationships, make that explicit on your resume so it doesn't read like a purely technical position.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists principal environmental consultant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name your technical niche
Openings in remediation, air quality, water resources, and due diligence each attract different candidate pools. Filtering by your specific discipline narrows competition and surfaces roles where your credentials are a direct match rather than a partial fit.
Prepare a project portfolio with measurable outcomes
Before interviews, compile two or three complex projects where you led multidisciplinary teams or resolved a significant regulatory challenge. Interviewers at the principal level expect you to walk through scope, your specific decisions, and the outcomes in detail.
Negotiate with licensure and project pipeline in mind
When evaluating an offer, ask about the firm's current project backlog, client mix, and whether they will fund continuing education or licensure maintenance. These factors affect your long-term earning potential and professional development more than base salary alone.
Principal Environmental Consultant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most principal environmental consultants?
Environmental Resources Management, Tetra Tech, and Ramboll are hiring the most principal environmental consultants right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, California, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be strongest at large multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consulting firms with active federal and industrial clients.
How many principal environmental consultant jobs are remote?
About 96% of principal environmental consultant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though fully remote arrangements are less common at this level than in purely desk-based fields. Roles focused on regulatory strategy, technical report review, and client advisory work are most likely to offer remote or hybrid flexibility, while positions requiring site visits or agency meetings are typically office-based or field-hybrid.
How do you become a principal environmental consultant?
Start with a relevant undergraduate degree in environmental science, geology, or engineering, then accumulate project experience across multiple service lines such as remediation, compliance, and due diligence. Earning a professional license or certification, such as a PE, PG, or CHMM, signals readiness for senior roles. Transitioning to principal typically requires leading large projects independently, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to business development over a sustained period.
Can you get hired as a principal environmental consultant without direct principal-level experience?
Yes, candidates who have been functioning at a principal level without the title can be competitive if they can demonstrate it. Document instances where you led a project from proposal through closeout, managed a client relationship end to end, or served as the technical lead on a complex regulatory matter. Firms hiring principals care more about demonstrated responsibility than whether your previous employer used that exact title.
What does the principal environmental consultant interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a recruiter or HR screen, followed by a technical interview where you walk through project experience and regulatory knowledge in depth. A second round often involves meeting practice leaders or future peers, and you may be asked to present a past project or respond to a hypothetical client scenario. Business development conversations and reference checks are common before an offer is extended at this level.
Where can I find and apply to principal environmental consultant jobs?
You can find and apply to principal environmental consultant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing.
See All 48 Principal Environmental Consultant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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