Entry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Topeka, KS

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Job Title: Environmental Permitting Specialist

Job Description

The Environmental Permitting Specialist supports a diverse portfolio of large-scale environmental and construction projects by leading detailed due diligence reviews and coordinating permitting activities. In this role, you collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team and regulatory agencies to identify permit requirements, collect and manage technical documentation, and secure all necessary permits within project construction timelines. You contribute directly to project success by applying your environmental science and regulatory knowledge to ensure compliance and effective project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive project due diligence reviews, including wetlands evaluations, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, as well as biological assessments and related studies.
• Work closely with local, state, and federal regulators to identify all applicable environmental and construction permit requirements for assigned projects.
• Coordinate internally and with clients to gather, organize, and verify the technical information and documentation needed to prepare and submit complete permit applications.
• Prepare, review, and manage permitting documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulatory standards and project specifications.
• Track permit application status and timelines to ensure all assigned permits are obtained within required construction schedules.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, engineers, GIS specialists, and other team members to integrate technical data and analyses into permitting deliverables.
• Use tools such as Microsoft Excel and other documentation management systems to enter, organize, and analyze project and permitting data.
• Support regulatory compliance efforts by interpreting environmental regulations and integrating requirements into project planning and execution.
• Utilize GIS and CAD software, including AutoCAD and ESRI ArcGIS Pro (if experienced), to support mapping, analysis, and visual presentation of environmental and permitting information.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and clients through written reports, presentations, and meetings to explain permitting requirements, project status, and key findings.
• Contribute to project management activities by assisting with schedules, milestones, and coordination across multiple concurrent projects.
• Participate actively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a collaborative and positive work culture.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geology, geography, civil engineering, environmental engineering, wildlife biology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a similar environmental permitting, environmental due diligence, or regulatory compliance role.
• Hands-on experience with environmental permitting processes and coordination with regulatory agencies.
• Experience conducting or supporting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.
• Knowledge of environmental science principles and regulatory compliance requirements relevant to construction and development projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including strong Excel skills for data entry, tracking, and reporting.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat for preparing, reviewing, and managing electronic documents and submittals.
• Strong documentation management skills, with the ability to organize, track, and maintain large volumes of project and permitting records.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulations, troubleshoot permitting issues, and propose practical solutions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with professionals from different technical backgrounds.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro for mapping, spatial analysis, and preparation of figures to support permitting and environmental documents.
• Experience with GIS tools and workflows to support environmental assessments and regulatory submittals.
• Experience with AutoCAD and other CAD software to assist with drawings and visualizations related to project layouts and environmental constraints.
• Experience in environmental engineering, environmental science, or regulatory compliance for infrastructure or construction projects.
• Project management experience, including coordinating tasks, managing timelines, and supporting multiple concurrent projects.
• Familiarity with wetlands assessments, biological assessments, and other environmental due diligence activities.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with regulators, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Comfort working in both office and field settings, including basic field data collection and site inspections.

Work Environment

This role operates in a primarily office-based setting with approximately 90% of the work performed in the office and about 10% in the field for site inspections and data collection. The position follows a hybrid work model, with an expectation of 1–2 days per week in the office while allowing flexibility for remote work on other days, and is suitable for candidates based in or near Topeka or Kansas City. You work closely with a multidisciplinary team in a growing organization that emphasizes a strong, family-oriented culture and a collaborative, supportive environment. The company is expanding its office space, reflecting significant growth and long-term stability, and organizes quarterly team outings to foster connection and team cohesion. Daily work involves extensive use of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, documentation management systems, and, where applicable, GIS and CAD tools such as ESRI ArcGIS Pro and AutoCAD. Field visits may include travel to project sites to inspect conditions and collect environmental data, requiring appropriate field readiness and adherence to site safety practices

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Topeka, KS.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Topeka,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.