Principal Scientist, Mining, Water, and Environmental Services

KC Harvey, an Aventia Company, seeks a Principal Scientist for Mining, Water, and Environmental Services in Salt Lake City, UT. The role involves leading business development, expanding environmental services, and managing client relationships in the mining sector. Candidates should have strong technical expertise and leadership skills. The position is remote-friendly, supporting operations across various states. Ideal for those who enjoy client interaction and fostering team collaboration.
Who We Are:


KC Harvey Environmental (an Aventia company) is a rapidly expanding environmental consulting and field services firm based in Bozeman, Montana. We maintain regional operations in Alaska, Colorado, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, with additional remote teams working throughout the Rocky Mountains and Northern Great Plains.


Our team plays a vital role in supporting industries and agencies that rely on expert environmental permitting, reclamation, restoration, and remediation. As data‑driven innovators, we thrive on solving tough problems, charting new paths forward, and taking on the interesting, challenging work found across North and Central America.


Position Summary


Our Team is looking for a market-facing leader to help shape what’s next at the intersection of mining, water, and environmental services. This is a highly visible role for someone who enjoys being out in front of clients, building businesses, and leading teams—while still staying close to the technical work that matters.


This position brings together service-line leadership, principal-level technical expertise, and business development. You’ll work with marquee mining clients, expand high-value water and environmental services, and act as a trusted advisor on complex permitting, compliance, and resource challenges throughout North America. If you’re energized by growth, collaboration, and solving tough problems, this role offers real influence and autonomy.





What You’ll Do


Be a Subject Matter Expert



Expand KC Harvey’s permitting, compliance, water management, and environmental services in the mining sector
Track emerging issues in mining regulation, water management and security, reclamation, and infrastructure—and turn them into client opportunities
Strengthen relationships with existing mining clients while opening doors to new ones
Represent KC Harvey at industry events, client meetings, and regulatory forums




Drive Business Development and Client Growth



Shape pursuit strategy, lead proposals, and present directly to clients
Build long-term relationships with mining companies, operators, and partners
Deliver measurable revenue growth through new business and account expansion
Partner with firm leadership on strategic growth and market positioning

Lead Teams and Services



Provide leadership for multidisciplinary teams
Establish best practices, tools, and delivery standards that support sustainable growth
Recruit, mentor, and develop scientists, project managers, and technical specialists
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence

Serve as a Principal on Key Projects



Act as Principal Scientist or Project Manager on complex, high-value mining projects
Oversee scope, budget, schedule, risk, and quality from pursuit through close-out
Provide senior technical review on reports, studies, and regulatory deliverables
Ensure projects meet client expectations, regulatory requirements, and financial goals

Who You Are


You’re a confident, externally focused leader who thrives in client-facing roles. You’re as comfortable talking strategy with leadership as you are navigating regulators or mentoring technical teams. You enjoy building things—relationships, teams, and business lines—and want to leave your mark.


What You Bring



Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, water resources, geology, geochemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
15–20+ years of environmental consulting experience, with a strong focus on mining
A track record of winning work, growing accounts, and leading client relationships
Deep expertise in mining-related water management, permitting, compliance, reclamation, or remediation
Strong executive presence and communication skills
Willingness to travel and stay actively engaged in the market




Why KC Harvey



Be a key contributor to a collaborative culture that values expertise, initiative, and leadership
Contribute to the growth of a respected and technically excellent nationwide team, by leading high-profile mining and water projects throughout North America .
A competitive compensation aligned with experience and impact
Strong benefits and continued professional development
Significant opportunity for autonomy

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:


Work Environment & Travel



Clean driving record
Willingness to accommodate routine travel, extended field assignments, and evolving project demands
Hybrid or office-based work environment, with travel to project sites and client locations as needed (approx. 25-30%).

What You Will Get:


This is a full-time, salaried role with compensation commensurate with your experience and expertise. We offer a robust and competitive benefits package that includes a 401(k) with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverages as well as short and long-term disabilities, life insurance and flex spending account options.


You’ll also benefit from a generous paid time off program that includes nine paid holidays annually, vacation time, and wellness leave, along with strong support for continuing education and professional development.





If you’re looking for a role with real influence, room to grow, and a seat at the table—without losing touch with the technical work that drives results—we’d like to hear from you.