ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Environmental Science Graduate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Environmental Scientist III

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ... A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry ...

Dewberry

Environmental Scientist III

Glen Allen, VA

$69K - $91K/yr

Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ... A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry ...

New

Dewberry

Environmental Scientist II

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$64K - $82K/yr

... including wetland science, regulatory permitting, environmental compliance, and National ... Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ...

Dewberry

Environmental Scientist III

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

... including wetland science, regulatory permitting, environmental compliance, and National ... Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ...

Dewberry

Environmental Scientist III

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

... including wetland science, regulatory permitting, environmental compliance, and National ... Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ...

Dewberry

Environmental Scientist II

Fairfax, VA

$64K - $82K/yr

... including wetland science, regulatory permitting, environmental compliance, and National ... Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ...

US Department of the Air Force

$49K/yr

... graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree: a) Grade Point ... sciences (environmental) concepts and principles and standard practices, methods, and techniques to ...

Virginia Tech

Environmental Technician

Blacksburg, VA

$25 - $29/hr

... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ... C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEnvironmental Science Graduate JobsEnvironmental Science Graduate Jobs in Virginia

Environmental Science Graduate information

See Virginia salary details

$40.6K

$83.4K

$121.9K

How much do environmental science graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental science graduate 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 jobs can you get with an environmental science degree?

Graduates with an environmental science degree can pursue a variety of careers, including roles such as environmental consultant, conservation scientist, environmental educator, sustainability specialist, and environmental analyst. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, private companies, or research institutions. The degree provides a strong foundation in ecological principles, data analysis, and problem-solving, making graduates valuable in addressing environmental challenges and developing sustainable solutions.

What types of projects do environmental science graduates typically work on early in their careers?

As an Environmental Science Graduate, you can expect to contribute to a variety of projects such as environmental impact assessments, data collection and analysis for pollution monitoring, and fieldwork related to habitat restoration. Early-career roles often involve collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, ecologists, and policy experts, to address real-world environmental challenges. These projects provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop specialized skills that can lead to advancement into research, consulting, or project management roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental science graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Science Graduate, you need a solid grounding in environmental principles, data analysis, and scientific research, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical tools like R or Python, and laboratory techniques is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you effectively collaborate and convey scientific findings to diverse audiences. These skills are crucial for addressing complex environmental challenges and contributing meaningfully to sustainability initiatives.

What is the difference between Environmental Science Graduate vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental Science GraduateEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related fieldAssociate degree or relevant certification, sometimes a bachelor's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, fieldwork, data analysisField sites, laboratories, environmental monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, government agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites
Common Search & ComparisonEntry-level roles, career development, educational backgroundTechnical roles, fieldwork, practical skills

Environmental Science Graduates typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on research, data analysis, and environmental policy. Environmental Technicians often have an associate degree or certification and perform field sampling, monitoring, and technical tasks. Both roles are essential in environmental work, but they differ in education level, job responsibilities, and work settings.

Is graduate school worth it for environmental science?

For environmental science graduates, attending graduate school can enhance specialized knowledge, research skills, and qualifications for advanced roles or academia. However, many entry-level positions in environmental science are available with a bachelor's degree, and practical experience or certifications like GIS or environmental impact assessments can also be valuable. The decision depends on career goals and the specific requirements of desired positions.

Is it worth getting a master's in environmental science?

For environmental science graduates, obtaining a master's degree can enhance job prospects, increase earning potential, and qualify for specialized roles such as environmental consultants or policy analysts. It often provides advanced skills in data analysis, environmental modeling, and regulatory understanding, which are valued in the field.

What can I do with a master's degree in environmental science?

An environmental science graduate with a master's degree can pursue roles such as environmental analyst, conservation scientist, environmental consultant, or sustainability coordinator. These positions often require skills in data analysis, environmental regulations, and fieldwork, and may involve working for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Science Graduate jobs in Virginia?

For Environmental Science Graduate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Science Graduate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Science Graduate jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Environmental Science Graduate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Environmental Science Graduate job openings:

Environmental Science Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Science Graduate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,402 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Environmental Scientist III

Dewberry

Glen Allen, VA • On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

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 Environmental Scientist to join our Richmond office. The individual will be responsible for leading field efforts for wetland delineations, habitat assessments/surveys for threatened and endangered species, stream assessments, and various other ecological field work as necessary. The candidate will work with a team of environmental professionals and engineers to secure federal, state, and local environmental permits for clients. As such, candidates should have experience working with and permitting projects under the CWA Section 404/401, Endangered Species Act Section 7, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The individual we seek for this position will serve as a mentor for entry level environmental field staff and will assist Project Managers with coordinating field work and completing environmental report writing. This candidate should possess a working knowledge of the flora and fauna of the mid-Atlantic region.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as a Technical field lead for Wetland Delineations, T&E habitat assessments and surveys, soil assessments, hydrology and vegetation inventories, and various other site assessments.
  • Coordinate field visits with staff, clients, and regulatory agencies.
  • Evaluate site conditions and select wetlands identification, mitigation and regulatory approval strategies.
  • Prepare environmental permit applications for Federal, State and Local agencies. Complete post permit compliance monitoring.
  • Document and summarize results of field investigations and analyses.
  • Prepare plans, specifications, maps, exhibits and supporting documentation for client and regulatory approvals.
  • Provide client and regulatory agency coordination.
  • Support proposal preparation, contract execution, and budget/schedule adherence.
  • Perform technical work and develop project execution strategies.
  • Serve as technical lead and mentor for entry level field staff.
  • Technical report writing.
  • QAQC.

Required Skills & Required Experience
Required Skills & Experience:
  • A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, or related field is required. An advanced degree (Master's) in Biology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science & Policy, Hydrogeology or related field is a plus.
  • 5-10 years of work experience is required.
  • Capability to execute and coordinate environmental permitting and environmental assessment activities with internal/external clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Proficiency with ESRI Products (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey 123) is preferred.
  • Knowledge of Virginia environmental regulations and permitting, 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Wetland Delineation Manual and Piedmont/Coastal Plain Supplements, Unified Stream Assessment (USM) Tool for Stream Mitigation Credit determination, Perennial Flow Determinations, and Chesapeake Bay Act Resources and Identification.
  • VDEQ Professional Wetland Delineator/Virginia Surface Water Delineator (PWD/VSWD) required, or with ability to obtain within one year of employment.
  • Sediment and Erosion Control Inspector and/or natural stream restoration design certification (Rosgen) is a plus. Specific species experience (i.e. Small Whorled Pogonia) a plus.

Additional Requirements:
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Regular field work in a variety of seasonal conditions.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Local and occasional statewide travel is required (70/30 split between field and office).

*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.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.
#LI-EB1
Salary Range
The projected range for this position is $81,000-$104,000 annually in our Richmond, VA office. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.

What Dewberry employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply