DescriptionThis Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Environmental Scientist for our Sand Diego, CA office. The following locations will also be considered: Costa Mesa, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Oakland, CA; Roseville, CA; Sacramento, CA, San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA. Be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.
In this role you will provide high level technical assistance and guidance for the collection, identification, compiling, and analysis of observational and spatial data concerning a variety of biological, physical, and earth sciences. Provides support and guidance for multi-site/phase environmental work and environmental permitting projects. Develops processes and infrastructure relating to water supply, air emission, pollution control, cultural impact, and preserving the quality of the environment by identifying, controlling, and preventing disruption to environmental systems and species caused by human activity. Ensures that documentation and recommendations accurately describe the results of analyses and addresses environmental impact and long-term ecological risks. Assists project leadership with environmental impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy development, permitting, and/or restoration activities. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.
Your Impact
- Provide guidance with data collection efforts for identifying and compiling observational, spatial, and environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, sludge, and other matrices for projects, investigations, and surveys.
- Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, site impact, habitat types, and associated physical and wildlife sensitivities.
- Analyze literature, data, laboratory samples, and other sources of information to uncover primary, secondary, and tertiary environmental impacts.
- Prepare and complete environmental survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act permitting, CEQA, NEPA, etc.).
- Ensure regulatory requirement compliance pertaining to the data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, and record compliance and retention.
- Perform professional environmental science work and conduct investigations, inspections, and environmental studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental needs.
- Conduct environmental site assessments (Phase I and II).
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, models, cross-sections, and other illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex data, findings, or analyses.
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore mid- to larger-scale environmental problems.
- Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory compliance, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion.
- Provide high level oversite for desk-based research, fieldwork, and/or laboratory work, including measurements, data interpretation, and computer modeling.
- Provide environmental risk identification and impact assessment, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level threat mitigation and permitting activities projects to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
- Assist with development and scoping of medium-to large-sized projects.
- Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
- Coordinate with clients, resource/regulatory agencies, and environmental and technical staff in a confident and professional manner.
- Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
- Remain current in latest environmental science subject matter and techniques.
- Actively engage in business development and proposal writing.
- 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 additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
- 7 to 10 years of experience working as an environmental scientist and completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and impact assessments, and/or construction monitoring.
- Specific background and expertise should consist of strong environmental science / ecology skills with specific ecosystem, habitat, and/or applicable species.
- Expertise and experience with State and Federal protection regulations, guidelines, and consulting processes pertaining to the specific environmental science position.
- Experience in conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with ASTM guidelines and industry standards.
- Established experience coordinating with clients, regulatory permitting and resource agencies, and environmental technical staff required.
- Demonstrated experience leading and reviewing environmental science technical reports, environmental impact evaluations, siting reports, and environmental permit applications and licensing, including field surveys and reporting, and resource and impact evaluations (e.g. commercial, renewable energy, infrastructure, etc.)
- Well-developed expertise with conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation.
- Highly capable self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
- Proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
- Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree is preferred.
- Essential professional licensure/certification.
- 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
- Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.
