DescriptionThis Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Environmental Planner for our Baltimore, MD office. The following locations will also be considered: Washington, DC and Herndon, VA.Be involved in projects with our Planning Advisory Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.
Provides technical environmental planning assistance to minimize the environmental impacts of commercial, industrial, utility, transmission, development, infrastructure, construction, pipeline, and/or transportation related projects. Tasks may include providing support and guidance for multi-site/phase environmental permitting projects, site and impact assessment, restoration, land use management plans, public involvement, and ensuring environmental regulatory compliance. Substantiates documentation to advise on project areas by applying and integrating urban and regional planning with a focus on sustainability. 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
- Determine well-defined data collection methods for identifying and compiling observational, spatial, operations, and environmental data from multiple matrices for projects, investigations, and surveys.
- Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS data, and other visualization tools to determine exact locations of project areas, site impact, habitat types, and associated physical and wildlife sensitivities.
- Prepare and assist with completing 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.).
- Comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, reporting, and record compliance and retention.
- Perform professional environmental planning 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.
- Assist with environmental site assessments (Phase I and II).
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore environmental problems.
- Provide environmental risk identification and impact assessment, offering input with moderate to high-level threat mitigation and permitting activities projects to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
- Assist with scoping, strategic planning, and developing permitting execution strategy for clients on medium-sized projects.
- Assist with overseeing and working with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
- Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
- Conduct research as appropriate and assist with proposal development.
- Remain current in latest environmental planning subject matter, practices, regulations, and techniques.
- 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 Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
- 3 to 5 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
- Competent analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species required.
- Working knowledge and experience with relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
- Familiarity with local, state, and federal permitting agencies.
- Demonstrated experience contributing to technical reports, preparing environmental impact evaluations, siting reports, and environmental permit applications, including field surveys and reporting, and resource and impact evaluations.
- Project management experience with small to mid-level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
- Demonstrated experience with consulting practices, conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
- Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
- Experience with discipline-specific software (i.e., ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-Up).
- Proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
- 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.
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