Our BusinessWSP is a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change.As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.This OpportunityWSP is currently seeking an Experienced 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
Lead field survey efforts in a field leadership role within the team for wetland delineations and stream assessments in addition to a range of related and supporting environmental habitat and impact assessments.
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.
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.).
Participate in the development of environmental restoration and mitigation projects, including wetland restoration, stream restoration and reforestation.
Mentor junior level staff in the completion of natural resource surveys/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.
3-5 years of experience working as an environmental scientist and completing wetland delineations, environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and impact assessments, permitting and/or construction monitoring.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), mobile GPS field data collection and mapping technologies.
Accomplished knowledge of local/regional ecology, habitats, and applicable species.
Knowledge of relevant research techniques 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.
Ability to efficiently and effectively perform field efforts in range of weather conditions and variable, sometimes difficult, site circumstances which may include remote locations, uneven terrain and biological hazards.
Regular 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.
#LI-GD1About WSPWSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.www.wsp.comWSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.