DescriptionThis Opportunity
WSP is currently seeking an Environmental Scientist to support our Richmond, Virginia service area. This team member will be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that is passionate about meeting our client’s objectives and solving their challenges across a wide range of disciplines.A successful candidate will have demonstrated creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in anticipating and solving environmental problems, determining objectives and requirements, organizing projects, and managing diverse environmental assessment and permitting activities. This position requires the successful evaluation and permitting of environmental impacts associated with a range of project development goals. The candidate shall have practical knowledge and experience with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations including proficiency achieving permit approvals and ensuring the achievement of regulatory compliance requirements.
Your Impact
- Support and/or lead permitting activities and manage tasks for a range of infrastructure, energy and land development projects (e.g., Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Mid-Atlantic area state permits, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Magnuson‑Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NEPA, NPDES/VPDES, etc.).
- Fulfill reporting and permitting responsibilities, including the responsible management of both internal and external influence factors, to ensure project success.
- Complete environmental analysis and technical reports to gain further information on a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental needs.
- Mentor junior level staff in the completion of natural resource assessments and report preparation environmental documentation and environmental permitting actions.
- Work efficiently within culturally and geographically diverse cross-functional teams in executing project work.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform client relationship advancement and business development to continue delivery of business prosperity and growth objectives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Resource Management, Wetland Ecology, Forestry or a comparable life science field.
- 1-3 years of experience working as an environmental scientist and completing environmental analysis reviews, habitat and impact assessments, and regulatory permitting.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
- Accomplished knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
- Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to learn and apply new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, and work independently.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective manner to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
- Proven record of accomplishment upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Resource Management, Wetland Ecology, Forestry or a comparable life science field.
- Flora and/or fauna species assessment experience/certification relevant to regionally imperiled/protected species (e.g., bat or other relevant protected species assessment, monitoring, and/or presence/absence survey experience).
- Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist, Virginia Professional Wetland Delineator and/or Virginia State Waters Delineator (or ability to achieve certification within 1 year).
- Proficiency with ESRI Software (including ArcGIS, ArcMap, ArcCatalog) and/or AutoCAD.
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