Project Manager

About us:

Zara Environmental LLC is a small consulting firm based in San Marcos, Texas, with over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality, defensible research to support compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), TCEQ regulations, and NEPA. Specializing in field-based hydrogeological investigations, geologic assessments, and ecological studies, Zara’s biological expertise includes habitat assessments, karst ecosystems, bats, groundwater fauna, freshwater mussels, Eurycea salamanders, and birds. We conduct unique research to support natural resource management and regulatory compliance and provide litigation support. We cultivate trusted relationships with regulatory and agency entities, demonstrated by their use of our research to provide scientific defensibility and guide policy development.

We want and encourage our employees to be fully engaged — at home, at work, and in their communities. We provide our employees with a full range of benefits including medical plans, paid time off, pre-paid cards for purchases that directly benefit job performance (e.g., technology, professional development, wellness), company 401k match, bonus and incentive opportunities, technical training and career development resources, and access to our wellness program. We offer competitive and flexible scheduling as part of a comprehensive personal benefits package intended to support a sustainable work-life balance. While most work can be done remotely or in-office, we expect in-person attendance for monthly staff meetings and occasional fieldwork, training, or team-building events.

Position Description:

Zara is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support our expanding business in a Senior Project Scientist capacity. In this role, you’ll pursue new project opportunities, identify regulatory compliance needs, lead field studies, manage client relationships, mentor staff, and assist with business development. You will primarily assist clients with various projects related to federal, state, and local regulations and policy such as NEPA, ESA, Clean Water Act, TCEQ, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Habitat Conservation Plans, Department of Defense missions, and state, regional, and municipal ordinances and codes. You’ll work both independently and as part of project teams to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet challenging client expectations. You will work directly with management and administrative staff as well as project and proposal teams. We encourage initiative and offer opportunities to attend conferences, lead client outreach, and shape Zara’s commercial growth.

What We’d Like to See in You:

We’re looking for someone with at least 7 years of environmental consulting experience (especially related to the complexities of the ESA and related policies), and 5 years of project management experience. Passion for your work and a desire to grow with our team is a big plus. Ideally, you bring:  

• Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Geology, or related field
• Expertise in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance
• Proven leadership and project management experience
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, analytical and technical writing skills
• Proficiency in MS Office and Adobe
• Familiarity with the use of productivity/data management tools
• Effective time-management, written communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong presentation skills and a mastery of impactful client communication
• Ability to direct and occasionally conduct fieldwork, including willingness to travel
• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering quality work products
• Experience mentoring junior staff
• Enthusiasm, initiative, flexibility, and a desire to work in a growing team

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage environmental studies and provide technical expertise
• Prepare and QA/QC impact assessments and Biological Assessments, Biological Evaluations, and Habitat Conservation Plans for ESA compliance
• Develop mitigation measures, monitoring, and permitting for biological resources
• Write proposals and develop complex technical scopes and cost estimates
• Prepare protocols and supervise field surveys
• Track project performance, profitability, schedule, and ensure that you have or can effectively source the right resources to complete the project
• Oversee subcontractors and ensure quality standards on project deliverables
• Supervise project teams and monitor team utilization
• Mentor junior- and mid-level consulting staff to develop their growing skillsets
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with other Zara employees
• Maintain a commitment to safe and poised work practices
• Support business development through client outreach and relationship building
• Participate in growth-oriented initiatives for the company and staff