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Environmental Science Graduate Jobs in Reston, VA

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

... Graduate's degree preferred with either progressive project work experience, or; * 7+ year of ... Works in a highly interactive, team-oriented environment with Big Data developers, and analytical ...

... science) Graduate's degree preferred with either progressive project work experience, or; * 3+ year ... Experience delivering production-grade models in a cloud environment * Experience in neural network ...

Post-doctoral Associate

College Park, MD

$48K - $65K/yr

Collaborate with scientists and graduate students who are collecting data on saline and ... Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related environmental ...

... and Avian Sciences, Environmental Science and Technology, Environmental Science and Policy ... Currently, the college enrollment includes 1100 undergraduates, approximately 300 graduate students ...

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Environmental Science Graduate information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$87.5K

$128K

How much do environmental science graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental science graduate in Reston, VA is $87,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $102,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Environmental Science Graduate jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Science Graduate jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Environmental Science Graduate jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Environmental Science Graduate job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Science Graduate job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,905 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Environmental Scientist III

Dewberry

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 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 III in the Mid-Atlantic region. This position offers the flexibility to be located in our Fairfax, Richmond, or Virginia Beach, Virginia offices. This full-time opening will provide the applicant with the opportunity to work as part of a growing team in all facets of environmental services including wetland science, regulatory permitting, environmental compliance, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation. Typical projects involve private, locality, state, and federal agency clients in the transportation market and environmental permitting for land development projects. Tasks include leading CWA permitting; NEPA documentation; agency coordination; and public outreach. In addition to leading field investigations (wetland delineation, stream assessments, and compliance inspections) and the preparation of technical reports and feasibility studies. The successful candidate will be involved in project management, mentoring, training, and quality control. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience working in the environmental and natural resources field.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 50 locations and 2,000 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
  • Must be willing/able to perform field work
  • Lead field delineations of Waters of the U.S., including wetlands, and conduct stream assessments
  • Coordinate site visits with clients and regulatory agencies in the field
  • Prepare delineation reports, functional assessments, Jurisdictional Determinations (JD) requests, Perennial Flow Determinations (PFD), and Water Quality Impact Assessments (WQIA)
  • Lead multi-faceted projects in collaboration with scientists, engineers, and subconsultants
  • Prepare Clean Water Act (CWA) 404/401 permit applications
  • Prepare CWA 402 Registration Statements and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
  • Conduct database reviews and background research to support the NEPA document development process and prepare NEPA documentation
  • Prepare Section 7 consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and coordinate Time of Year Restrictions
  • Prepare Section 106 consultations with the State Historic Preservation Officer and coordinate avoidance and mitigation measures
  • Conduct permit and NEPA compliance monitoring during construction
  • Assist team members with fieldwork, technical reports, technical reports, agency coordination, and quality control
  • Assist with the preparation of proposals/pursuits, provide technical input, and contribute to proposal writing
  • Jobs and locations may require overnight travel and the ability to walk over uneven terrain while carrying heavy equipment

Required Skills & Required Experience
  • 5+ years of applicable experience, including project/task management experience
  • B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Geology, or a related field
  • Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD), Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Virginia State Waters Delineator (VSWD), ISA Certified Arborist, or similar certification is preferred
  • Proficiency with ArcGIS PRO, AutoCAD, and/or MicroStation is preferred
  • Ability to lead environmental permitting and NEPA processes and coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies
  • Experience preparing and submitting Clean Water Act 404/401 permit applications and NEPA documentation
  • Experience coordinating with state, federal, and local regulatory agencies
  • Knowledge of state (Virginia) and federal legislation as it relates to CWA Sections 401/404 permitting and NEPA
  • Knowledge and understanding of complex regulatory issues and regulatory changes
  • Ability to compose technical reports, memorandums, and other written communication
  • Ability to manage multiple projects
  • Desire to work in a team environment

*The salary range for this position is: $81,000 - $104,000 and may vary based on experience*
*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action 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.
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