Associate Environmental Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Systems Planning Corporation (SPC), a subsidiary company of GAI Consultants, Inc., is seeking an Environmental Specialist with experience in Field Compliance Monitoring to be based out of Canton, OH or Bridgeport/Charleston, WV offices, within our Energy Business Unit. This position is fully remote but will require travel to various project sites. Applicants should enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment. This position will afford an excellent opportunity for the individual to expand their experience and knowledge base in federal and state environmental regulations and methodologies in primarily in Ohio, as well as the possibility of assisting with projects in West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

The successful candidate will serve as a field lead to perform, with minimal supervision, various assignments including, but not limited to those listed below.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Performing field monitoring of erosion and sediment (E&S) controls on various types of construction Projects (linear and site-based) while working independently.
• Review and understand specifications, permits, and permit conditions as well as E&S control and stormwater plans associated with both site and linear construction Projects.
• Prepare and review periodic monitoring reports based upon field observations. Reports may be submitted via paper report or electronically as required.
• Assist with the preparation of environmental reports, permit applications, and closeout requests such as wetland and stream delineation reports, erosion and sediment control plans, and sound studies.
• Agree and adhere to the Health and Safety requirements of GAI Consultants and GAI's clients.
• Maintain QA/QC standards and adhere to the Quality Management System procedures of GAI Consultants and the quality procedures of GAI's clients.

Qualifications

Required:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and technical writing ability.
• Ability to utilize electronic location devices such as a GPS or a GPS enabled device to collect data tied to a Project location.
• Candidate must be proficient in using Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel, and MS Office applications and be familiar with report, database, and form completion through both
• MS Word applications (e.g., Access, SQL) and online programs.
• A valid driver's license along with ability pass required screening to drive a GAI vehicle.
• Must be flexible. Travel will be expected as part of this position.
• Ability to drive distances of potentially 4-6+ hours round trip and with occasional overnight stays out of town being required.

Preferred: (Not required, but candidates that demonstrate these qualifications will be given preference)

• Minimum of an Associates (A.S.) degree from an accredited college with an engineering/environmental/science focus.
• Two to four years of demonstrated experience in field monitoring. Consideration will be given to candidates that can specifically show E&S control monitoring or similar experience.
• Experience performing Environmental Due Diligence (Phase I ESAs) site assessments.
• Knowledge of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations and permitting and familiarity with environmental agency E&S control guidelines and best management practice (BMP) designs, construction, and maintenance. Consideration will be given to candidates that can demonstrate experience and
• comprehension of E&S control BMP concepts, designs, and maintenance requirements.
• Past experience working with an environmental review agency (e.g. state or local conservation district) either for the agency or with the agency as a consultant or
• owner.
• Experience in SWPPP, NPDES Permit Application and/or Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Plan Development.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or GIS (ArcGIS).
• Experience in environmental compliance such as air compliance and/or spill response planning a plus.
• Knowledge of Section 401/404 permitting, stream and wetland surveys, delineation techniques, and permitting.

Travel

• 75%, Travel to project sites. Overnight stays.

Physical Demands and/or Other Job Information:

• Ability to walk moderate distances through unimproved terrain, utility rights-of-way, in remote areas, etc.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to hear and visualize potential hazards during fieldwork or site visit situations.
• GAI Consultants prides itself on the quality of its employees and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a drug screening.

General Characteristics

• Begins to demonstrate critical thinking skills, works on small projects or portions of larger projects; assist Task Managers with aspectsof projects; proactively implements Quality Management System (QMS) forproject deliverables.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 2-4 Years of Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences orsimilar field of study

Technical Responsibilities

• Working towards leading field studies and data collection; Generates well written, technically sound documents with little assistance from senior staff and requiring minor edits; Agency interface; Data analysis and interpretation; Acquires ability to research Federal, State, and local applicable environmental regulations and guidance and applies them to project specifics; extensive knowledge of wetland delineations; wetland restoration and wetland design; ecological field surveys; endangered species surveys (understand the requirements of the endangered species act, understand when and how to consult with these agencies, and have working knowledge of the species within the area we work), and duties as required; May become specialized within a specific discipline; receives technical training for career enhancement.

Project and Task Management

• Works as a part of a team and coordinates work with others.
• Assists in determining schedule and budget requirements.

Management Responsibility

• Assigning and overseeing tasks under the direct supervision ofthe task manager and maintaining budgets and schedules; keeping very close communication with Task Managers; assisting Project Managers or Task Manager withproposal preparation; scopes of work and project component cost estimates.
• Guidance and oversight from Task Managers and Project Managers.
• No managerial responsibilities at this level.

Communication Skills

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills; interacts well with other staffs; interact with clients with close oversight, interacts closely with Project Managers and various Department Managerial Staff, performs well with client communications.