Assistant Planner Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

We are currently seeking a Project Environmental Scientist/Planner in our Raleigh, NC office who is looking for growth opportunities and enjoys working on a wide variety of projects.

Responsibilities:

The candidate for this position will lead natural system surveys, field investigations, and delineations including wetland delineations, conducting threatened and endangered species habitat evaluations and surveys, assist, support and prepare National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) documentation, planning and feasibility studies, and public outreach. The candidate will also lead Section 404/401 permitting, coordinate with regulatory agencies and clients, conduct permit compliance monitoring, conduct bat bridge inspections, conduct surveys for invasive species, prepare invasive species management plans, assist with stream stabilization/restoration projects, mentor and train junior staff, and any other services as required by specific projects. The candidate must have knowledge of and experience with the development of NEPA/ SEPA documents for State DOTs, FHWA, or FTA. The candidate would work collaboratively with teams on complex environmental documents, would manage projects and tasks commensurate to experience, and would be responsible for preparing environmental documents and supporting technical analyses. The individual will assist with work planning and scheduling, managing project budgets and scopes, with Business Development, including proposal preparation. The candidate will participate in the planning of transportation related projects. They must be innovative and adaptive at identifying problems and finding solutions. Responsibilities will also include assuring highest quality and deliverable expectations are always maintained. Periodic travel (including overnight) will be required to conduct field work and/or attend project meetings, as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Biology, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 11 - 15 years of experience desired in the environmental compliance discipline but will consider less years’ experience for significant relevant experience in environmental documentation (all levels), ecological studies, wetland, and stream delineations, threatened and endangered species studies, environmental permitting, or related environmental compliance.
• Thorough knowledge of NEPA/environmental planning practices and procedures as well as experience in preparing NEPA documents in accordance with the US DOT guidelines and specific State DOTs’ requirements.
• Broad knowledge of environmental laws and regulations, which include but are not limited to NEPA and the Clean Water Act (CWA).
• Experience in performing ecological studies, wetland, and stream delineations, threatened and endangered species surveys and studies, and knowledge of CWA permitting processes.
• Experience with NCDOT Natural Resource Technical Reports, Guidance, and Procedures.
• Experience obtaining Section 404/401 permits.
• Experience coordinating with federal and state resource agencies.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience authoring and reviewing environmental documentation.
• Excellent technical writing and oral communication skills.
• Positive attitude and ability to interact and communicate/work with multidisciplinary team members.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in coordination with multiple offices.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), TEAMS and GIS analysis tools is required.
• Strong plant identification skills.
• Willingness to continue to learn and grow technically and professionally within the company.
• Willingness to mentor and train junior staff.
• Ability to interpret and stay abreast of environmental regulations.

Desired Requirements:

• Certification or professional registration is a plus.
• Recent, relevant experience working with federal, and regional states regulatory agencies a plus.
• Experience managing projects, scopes, budgets, and staff with limited oversight/supervision is a plus.
• Experience in any of the following states, VA, MD, WV, SC, GA, FL, DE and PA is a plus.

Benefits:

WRA recognizes that employees play an important role in its success. Our commitment to full-time employees is reflected in the comprehensive benefits package we offer:

• Flexible work schedule options
• Competitive salary
• Leave accrual and paid holidays
• Healthcare benefits
• Group Life Insurance, as well as additional optional life Insurance, short and long term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursement
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental and maternity leave benefits

WRA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. WRA will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity. (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)

***** Not accepting resumes from 3rd party recruiters for this position *****

Position # 3051