Environmental Scientist Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

Environmental scientists identify environmental issues that could be harmful to the health of the population, such as pollution, and develop solutions that help protect the environment. To become successful as an environmental scientist, you must have excellent verbal communication, listening, and writing skills, solid critical thinking skills, and exceptional analytical skills. [Your Company Name] is looking for an experienced environmental scientist to help us keep the planet safe through our company’s efforts. If you have experience collecting data and analyzing and developing solutions to the dangers that affect the ecosystem, you might be our perfect candidate.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Collect and analyze soil, air, water, and other samples from various sites and areas of concern
• Provide scientific support for environmental risk projects
• Perform environmental impact analyses and examine scientific data
• Prepare and write reports and research papers based on findings
• Present findings to policymakers, business leaders, and decision-makers 
• Create environmental plans for construction projects

Education and experience

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, natural resource management, or a related field, preferably with coursework in chemistry, mathematics, and water/air/soil sciences. Employers often prefer candidates with CES certification and experience as a research assistant, field analyst, or lab technician.

Required skills and qualifications

• Broad knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations
• Experience with ecological surveying and reporting
• Knowledge of various sampling techniques and equipment
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Robust technical writing, analytical, and communications skills

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree in science
• 1+ years of experience working as an environmental science
• Strong handling of raw data
• Ability to think outside of the box for solutions

Job responsibilities

• Provides field inspection, wetland/stream delineations, and natural resource identification services
• Performs natural resource and permitting compliance assessments, and determines the feasibility of projects based on the analysis of collected natural resource related data
• Assists with the preparation and modification of various natural resources due diligence documents and permit applications
• Effectively uses reports, maps, drawings, engineering plans, tests, and aerial photographs to assess natural resources and their impact on the planning and design of projects
• Conducts environmental due diligence activities including environmental site assessments along with soil, groundwater, and soil gas sampling
• Assists with the planning and execution of field investigations by logging borings, collecting samples, performing field tests, and collecting and recording data
• Monitors construction projects to confirm the contractor or subcontractor has complied with job specifications
• Prepares reports documenting field investigations and analytical results
• Assist in preparation of reports and workplans by learning regulatory requirements
• Performs other duties as requested

Job requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Soil Sciences, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Engineering, or related field. M.S. degree preferred, but not required
• 1+ years of related experience
• Wetland delineation certification (preferred)
• Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification (preferred)
• Candidates will help support various natural resource and environmental projects
• Field experience of conducting wetland delineations
• Experience in preparing PADEP and USACE natural resource permit applications
• Knowledge of conducting environmental site assessments
• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, judgment, and problem-solving capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to follow direction and work independently as well as in a team environment
• Exceptional report writing, organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Candidates must be able to work in the field approximately 50% of the time which requires lifting and moderately strenuous activity
• Working knowledge of computers and GPS mapping
• Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for remote job site locations
• Position requires work Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends as well as some overnight travel
• Availability and willingness to travel regionally and within the domestic United States

Responsibilities

• You will be part of a team that supports a large program where you help document the construction
• Perform permit coordination with project team, develop/manage/track permits using permit tracker
• Coordinate with client peer groups for permitting deliverables
• Manage field team deliverables
• Assist with completing field investigations that may include habitat evaluations for threatened and endangered species and/or evaluation of other potentially sensitive resources
• Compose technical reports presenting results from field investigations and develop appropriate applications/consultations necessary for various regulatory approvals
• Conduct permit compliance tasks, federal/state/local permit applications, agency consultations
• Develop non environmental permit applications and process applications with the associated approval body
• Work includes a mix of field assessments, report/permit preparation and travel (25%)
• Conduct environmental compliance audits, prepare permitting applications, and analyze environmental data for various types of projects, including renewable projects, high-voltage transmission line routing, oil and gas facilities, power generation construction activities, and water treatment facilities

Qualifications

• Experience level: Experienced
• Minimum 3 years of experience
• Education: Bachelors

Skills

• Environmental Technician (2 years of experience is preferred)
• Soil Samples
• Environmental Monitoring
• Construction
• Environmental Testing
• Groundwater Sample
• Environmental Compliance
• Environmental Scientist
• Construction

Key responsibilities

• Support projects that include wetland delineation, Section 404/401 permitting, compensatory mitigation projects, SWPPP inspections, NEPA reporting, and Phase 1 ESAs
• Conduct field investigations including wetland and stream delineations, botanical surveys, and threatened and endangered species surveys
• Conduct sampling for surface water, groundwater, and soils in various site settings
• Assist or lead preparation of technical reports, including compiling and analyzing data, preparing exhibits, and writing report sections
• Travel/field work (daytime and overnight) will be required (usually in Southeast U.S.)
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Work with a team of water resources engineers and environmental scientists
• Assist and coordinate with sub-consultants and other regional Wood offices
• Compliance with company safety standards and site safety standards in accordance with Wood policy

Skills and qualifications

• BS in biology/ecology/environmental science/natural resources or equivalent
• Have 5 to 12 years of experience
• Have and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Experience in one or more of the following: wetland delineation, Phase 1 ESA, protected species, botanical surveys, NEPA documentation, and/or wetland and stream restoration
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong technical writing and communications skills
• An ideal candidate would be a self-starter, open to learn, adaptable to change, have a strong work ethic, and thrives in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities
• Flexible to work outside normal business hours and overtime, as needed
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with management, staff, and clients
• Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems
• Ability to work well in a team environment with a willingness to follow detailed instructions and learn new skills
• Ability to work in a flexible work environment, spending time between working from home, working from an office, and field work
• Ability to execute field and office tasks and operate independently at times – specifically in field setting
• Must pass drug test, background check, and must have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the Company’s driving policy
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

Additional desired qualifications

• Masters degree – Ecology, Forestry, Biology
• Proficiency in ArcGIS
• OSHA 40 certification
• Experience in the Carolinas
• Hydric Soils training
• Wetlands training
• Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS)
• Certified Ecologist
• Certified Wildlife Biologist