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Environmental Principal - Principal Environmental Consultant

Chicago, IL

Are you driven to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact? At Apex, we’re building more than a consulting and engineering firm—we’re creating a place where your career accelerates, your contributions matter, and your potential is fully realized. We believe your growth is our growth, which is why we invest in your development at every stage of your career. Here, you’ll work on projects that shape communities, protect the environment, and create lasting impact, all while being empowered with the autonomy and flexibility to do your best work.
 
Fueled by high-quality delivery, exceptional client retention, and strategic acquisitions, Apex Companies continues to rank among the fastest-growing firms in the AEC industry, recently recognized by the Zweig Group for our industry-leading growth. Our success is grounded in strong leadership, a collaborative culture, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.
 
As we continue to expand, we're looking for high-performing professionals who are ready to lead, collaborate, innovate, and create impact. At Apex, you help shape what's next. When we succeed together, we share in that success. All Apex positions are eligible for annual bonus opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to recognizing and rewarding meaningful contributions that drive our collective growth.

 

 

The Environmental Principal role is a high‑impact, growth‑oriented leadership position responsible for expanding Apex’s environmental consulting business across our Central Region. This position is ideal for a senior seller‑doer who thrives in externally facing roles, enjoys building trusted client relationships, and wants to directly influence the growth and direction of a business.

This role offers the opportunity to help shape Apex’s environmental strategy in the Central Region by driving organic growth, deepening key client relationships, and leveraging Apex’s national technical capabilities. The Environmental Principal will collaborate closely with Regional and Division leadership, National Account Managers, and technical teams while maintaining a strong personal presence in the market.

With the chance to engage with clients on an ongoing basis and help shape Apex’s environmental footprint in the region, this is a high‑visibility role offering significant growth potential and long‑term career advancement. The successful candidate will operate entrepreneurially while being supported by Apex’s established platform, leadership team, and national resources.

This role offers flexibility to work remotely, hybrid, or from an Apex office anywhere within Apex’s Central Region. Occasional travel will be required for client meetings, project support, business development, and industry events.

Key Responsibilities:

Growth and Client Leadership

  • Build, strengthen, and expand strategic relationships with established and new regional, national, and multi-site clients in priority markets including retail, convenience stores, real estate, logistics, and technology.
  • Identify, develop, and win opportunities through technical expertise, client relationships, industry networks, referrals, and strategic pursuits.
  • Lead client calls and meetings and major proposal efforts. Collaborate with subject matter experts and client managers to win new opportunities. 
  • Contribute to cross-selling efforts that connect clients with Apex's full suite of environmental, engineering, water, health and safety, infrastructure, and sustainability services.
  • Mentor Project Managers to build their business development skills.

Technical Leadership and Practice Development

  • Provide technical guidance across environmental compliance, site investigation and remediation, permitting, due diligence, environmental audits, stormwater, wastewater, air quality, waste, and related environmental services.
  • Support project delivery teams through QA/QC review, technical oversight, and risk-based decision making.
  • Mentor project managers, technical staff, and emerging leaders.
  • Promote technical excellence, quality delivery, risk management, and consistent project execution practices.
  • Monitor emerging regulations, market trends, and industry developments to identify opportunities for clients and Apex.

What we are looking for. 

  • 15+ years of environmental consulting, engineering, environmental compliance, remediation, water resources, or industry leadership experience with increasing responsibility.
  • Established professional reputation within the environmental industry with a corresponding network of industry contacts and relationships.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and growing client relationships and generating new business in a consulting environment.
  • Proven ability to operate successfully as a seller-doer in a consulting environment balancing business development, client management, technical leadership, and project execution.
  • Ability to identify client needs, shape practical solutions, and support business development with both existing and new accounts.
  • Strong understanding of environmental regulations and their application to client operations.
  • Experience supporting large, complex, or multi-site environmental programs.
  • Ability to develop strategic relationships with executives, technical leaders, operations leaders, and facility personnel.
  • Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and leadership skills.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and mentoring technical professionals.

Why you'll love working with us:

  • Company-subsidized medical and dental
  • Company-paid life, short, and long-term disability
  • 401k match, tuition assistance, and more
  • Cross-training and the ability to work on a variety of projects
  • Performance-based bonuses or other incentives
  • Working with the best and brightest in the industry
  • 2,000+ employee national firm with 70+ locations across the US

 

#LI-MW1

Apex Job Title: Scientist 6 - Principal Scientist

Req ID: 12083

 

Annual Expected Pay Range

$150,000 - $200,000 USD

 

We believe in equality for all and celebrate the diversity and differences of our employees, customers, and communities. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Apex aims to make apexcos.com accessible to all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact Talent@apexcos.com or (301) 417-0200. Likewise, feel free to reach out to us if you would like to view or discuss Apex policy related to equal employment opportunity or have any related concerns. EO/AA/VEV/Disabled Employer

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