Senior Environmental Scientist

General Description

Under general guidance, the Senior Environmental Scientist will be a principal member of our environmental solutions team and manage the development, continuous improvement, quality assurance, and compliance of multiple environmental products created by HSG. This position will be responsible for the financial and technical performance of assigned tasks. The Senior Environmental Scientist will oversee the work of one or more members of staff and evaluate employee contribution, performance, and development.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

Project Management:

• Engage in project management activities including the direct participation in and oversight of project teams responsible for environmental report development, progress reports, record management, and research. Typical assignments will include work with BLM, NPS, and DOI.
• Participate and oversee the preparation of written descriptions of potential impacts, mitigations, and alternatives.
• Support and manage business development activities and provide direct assistance for special projects and task management to the Vice President of Environmental Services.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the team related to environmental topics and regulations
• Provide training and mentoring to junior-level staff.
• Assisting employees to achieve organizational goals by providing training, coaching, and performance management.

Project Planning:

• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives.

Regulatory Compliance

• Responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Interpret and communicate regulatory obligations to relevant stakeholders.

Field Work:

• Coordinate and conduct filed investigations.
• Collect samples and data for analysis.
• Actively promote and cultivate a safety-first culture within the team and organization.

Research:

• Conduct comprehensive research in archives, libraries, and other repositories; collect and analyze historical documents, records, maps, and photographs.
• Manage and oversee the responsibilities associated with environmental contamination and hazardous waste sites.
• Conduct interviews with individuals to gather oral histories and personal accounts.

Client Communication:

• Interact with clients to understand their needs and expectations.
• Provide updates on project progress and address client concerns.

• Foster and maintain long-term client relationships and participate in business development activities as required as a technical expert for the Environmental Services Department.

Report Preparation and Review:

• Create, review, and present technical reports such as Preliminary Assessments/Site Investigations (PA/SIs), Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), Remedial Investigations/Feasibility Studies (RI/FSs), Expanded Site Inspections (ESIs), and Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analyses (EE/CAs).

• Collection, compilation, and analysis of data, and summarize findings in tables, graphs, emails, reports, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Participate in reviews and updates of agency environmental documents, databases, and tools.
• Review and interpret highly technical information on a variety of subjects and interpret and present the information in concise language that can be understood by non-technical laypeople.
• Participate in reviews and updates of agency environmental documents, databases, and tools.

Why We Value You

• You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.
• You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across.
• You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.
• You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful.
• You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work.

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical discipline related to environmental science, geology, planning, or policy; engineering; or related field.
• Minimum of six (6) years developing and working in environmental science fields.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and policies (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA, and NEPA).
• Must possess excellent management and organizational skills with the ability to cultivate and maintain a team approach among prime and subcontract employees including the ability to effectually solve complex technical and/or administrative problems/issues/concerns using reason, logic, and business acumen and provide recommendations to the appropriate audience.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and understand information such as regulations, policies, procedures, and instructions with the ability to effectively communicate any requirements or recommendations, both verbally and in writing, to employees, senior management as well as the customer and contractor community, where the information being communicated may include precise data and terminology, possibly of a confidential nature.
• Possess strong technical report writing skills with proficiency in standard Microsoft Office Software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and experience with GIS etc., and the ability to use technical databases to manage, sort, and extract data for technical and administrative reporting purposes.
• Experience in conducting environmental site assessments and compliance evaluations. Including sampling experience and familiarity with field sampling and monitoring instruments.
• Strong research skills with a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in environmental science, or a related field.
• ArcGIS training or certificate.
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• Demonstrated experience working federal land management agencies and working with regulating agencies.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or similar certifications in environmental compliance.
• Preferred experience level of 6-10 years in years developing and working in environmental science fields

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Work Environment: Work will mainly be performed in an office setting and occasionally with irregular hours.
• Travel: A low to moderate amount of travel away from office may be required.