Environmental Scientist II - Herndon, VA or Fredericksburg, VA

Purpose

Responsible for environmental responsibilities related to the land development industry with regard to wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species inventories, procuring appropriate permits, and coordination with regulatory agencies at the county, state and federal levels. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Receive general instruction on key objectives for execution. Receive direction as needed, and especially complex assignments, modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria. Work is completed using advanced engineering techniques and design principles and is reviewed by more senior staff to ensure application of sound professional judgement. Review work produced by junior staff for quality assurance.

At the Operational and Company Level

• Utilize and assist less experienced staff in understanding technical policies and procedures during the execution of projects for clients. 
• Assist with the marketing of the firm’s capabilities to establish new clients and enhance relationships.

Do the Work

• Conduct field investigations, including wetland delineations, perennial flow evaluations, Resource Protection Area boundary delineations, threatened and endangered species habitat assessments and field surveys, forest stand delineations and natural resource inventories, and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. 
• Create maps of sites for client. 
• Assist in the drafting of wetland use permit applications. 
• Compile reports summarizing the field investigation, analyze data, and prepare supporting maps and exhibits for Clients. 
• Assist in the drafting of Section 404/401 permit applications and impact exhibits to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and State and Local environmental agencies. 
• Prepare Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area applications such as Water Quality Impact Assessment and RPA encroachment requests for Local approval, and NPDES permitting through States. 
• Work closely with senior environmental scientists to learn and assist with the Environmental team’s work.

Success Metrics and Competencies

Ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate...

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and external partners.
• High degree of discretion and ability to manage highly confidential information.
• Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.
• Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Self-reliance and ability to operate independently with limited direction.  
• Strong marketing/business development skills and mindset.
• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.
• Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.
• Commitment to driving profitability and growth.
• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.
• Commitment to becoming a “citizen” of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.
• Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.
• Focus on improving return on investment.
• Basic understanding of financial reports and metrics.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.

Education, Work Experience, Licensure/Certifications, and Technical Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or related field required at time of employment.
• Three or more (3+) years of relevant industry-related experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Must hold a valid state driver’s license and successfully pass a motor vehicle check.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Primarily indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.
• Mobility around an office environment.
• Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Frequent outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.
• Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Frequent and prolonged use of data collection equipment and/or drones, necessitating walking the assigned study area to complete data collection over the course of several hours.
• Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

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