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Entry Level Environmental Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Dewberry is currently seeking an Entry-Level Environmental Scientist to join our Environmental Group in our Fairfax, VA office. This is an excellent career opportunity for an enthusiastic and ...

New

Environmental Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Overview The Entry Level Environmental Scientist provides technical support for environmental consulting projects involving site investigations, regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring ...

New

Environmental Scientist

Bluefield, VA · On-site

$49.68 - $74.52/hr

Role description Arcadis is seeking an Entry Level Geologist or Environmental Scientist to join our team in Bluefield, Virginia. While this position requires both field and office work, the candidate ...

New

Arcadis is seeking an Entry Level Geologist or Environmental Scientist to join our team in Bluefield Virginia. While this position requires both field and office work, the candidate should expect to ...

Arcadis is seeking an Entry Level Geologist or Environmental Scientist to join our team in Bluefield Virginia. While this position requires both field and office work, the candidate should expect to ...

Arcadis is seeking an Entry Level Geologist or Environmental Scientist to join our team in Bluefield Virginia. While this position requires both field and office work, the candidate should expect to ...

Environmental Scientist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$32.69 - $35.10/hr

... to entry-level staff. This position will primarily be in an office environment. Key ... Bachelor's degree in environmental science, a core science (such as geology, chemistry, physics, or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Environmental Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$40.6K

$83.4K

$121.9K

How much do entry level environmental scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level environmental scientist in Virginia is $83,402.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level environmental scientist do?

An Entry Level Environmental Scientist assists with research, data collection, and analysis to help assess environmental conditions and solve environmental problems. Their duties often include conducting fieldwork, collecting soil, water, or air samples, and writing reports based on their findings. They may also help ensure compliance with environmental regulations and support senior scientists with ongoing projects. This role typically serves as a starting point for a career in environmental science, providing valuable hands-on experience.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level environmental scientist expect during their first year?

As an Entry Level Environmental Scientist, you can expect to participate in fieldwork such as collecting soil, water, or air samples, assisting with site assessments, and conducting basic laboratory analysis. You'll likely support senior scientists by compiling data, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Collaboration is common, as you'll often work closely with engineers, project managers, and regulatory agencies. Early in your career, you may also help coordinate logistics for field projects and learn to use specialized equipment and software. These experiences provide a strong foundation for future advancement within the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level environmental scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Scientist, you need a solid grounding in environmental science principles, data collection, and analysis, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental sampling instruments, and regulatory guidelines is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help candidates excel in collaborating with teams and reporting findings. These abilities are crucial for conducting accurate research, ensuring compliance, and contributing to impactful environmental solutions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Environmental Scientist vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level Environmental ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related field; some roles may require internshipsAssociate's or bachelor's degree in environmental technology or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, report writing, often in labs or outdoor settingsField sampling, site assessments, data collection, often outdoors
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutionsEnvironmental service companies, government agencies, industrial sites

Entry Level Environmental Scientists typically focus on data analysis, research, and reporting, requiring a bachelor's degree. Environmental Technicians mainly perform field sampling and data collection, often with an associate's or bachelor's degree. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Scientist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Environmental Scientist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Environmental Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Environmental Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,402 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Entry-Level Environmental Scientist

Dewberry

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$67K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Dewberry is currently seeking an Entry-Level Environmental Scientist to join our Environmental Group in our Fairfax, VA office. This is an excellent career opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented individual to join a team of outstanding professionals. This position offers tremendous potential for professional growth in a great working environment and the opportunity to apply the latest technology to help our clients solve their most challenging problems.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with field delineations of wetlands and Waters of the U.S.
  • Assist in the preparation of delineation reports, functional assessments, mitigation plans, and Jurisdictional Determinations
  • Assist in the preparation of permit applications under Sections 404/401 of the Clean Water Act and NPDES Section 402 regulatory permitting
  • Coordinate with state, federal, and local regulators, as appropriate
  • Conduct vegetation and wildlife habitat surveys
  • Provide database reviews and background research for NEPA documents
  • Conduct threatened and endangered species surveys
  • Prepare Section 7 consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Prepare Section 106 consultations with the State Historic Preservation Officer
  • Conduct permit compliance monitoring and assist in conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)

Required Skills & Required Experience
  • A BS or MS degree in biology, wildlife or natural resources is required
  • 0-2 years of experience is required
  • A strong background in environmental impact assessment, permitting, ecological field studies, and planning is required
  • Specialized expertise may be in environmental, terrestrial, wetland, or wildlife sciences
  • Must have demonstrated ability in field data collection and analysis, technical writing
  • Strong oral and written communication/interpersonal skills is a must
  • Ability to work in a professional and team-oriented work environment
  • Valid Driver's Liscense is required

Don't meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees. So if you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.
*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.
Salary Range
The projected range for this position is $67,000 - $69,500 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.
Program Information
As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience. Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and team building activities led by an advisory team to:
  • Form lasting connections with peers in your class.
  • Gain a better understanding of career growth and meaningful opportunities to align with your professional goals.
  • Expand your knowledge of Dewberry and what we do.

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