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Environmental Science Graduate Jobs in Reston, VA

Project Developer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Requirements: The ideal candidate will be a recent college graduate (either undergraduate or ... Bachelors or Master's degree in business, environmental science, energy management, renewable ...

Project Developer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Requirements The ideal candidate will be a recent college graduate (either undergraduate or ... Bachelors or Master's degree in business, environmental science, energy management, renewable ...

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD ยท On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

Mentor and support graduate and undergraduate research assistants as needed. Support and deliver ... D. in remote sensing, geospatial science, agricultural engineering, computer science, environmental ...

Professional or graduate certificate in Data Science from a university or major online learning platform, * Experience working in the customer environment is preferred. Security Clearance: This ...

Data Scientist

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

Professional or graduate certificate in Data Science from a university or major online learning platform, * Experience working in the customer environment is preferred. Security Clearance: This ...

Data Scientist

Reston, VA

$112K - $179K/yr

Professional or graduate certificate in Data Science from a university or major online learning platform, * Experience working in the customer environment is preferred. Security Clearance: This ...

Professional or graduate certificate in Data Science from a university or major online learning platform, * Experience working in the customer environment is preferred. Security Clearance: This ...

Data Scientist

Reston, VA

$112K - $179K/yr

Professional or graduate certificate in Data Science from a university or major online learning platform, * Experience working in the customer environment is preferred. Security Clearance: This ...

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Environmental Science Graduate information

See Reston, VA salary details

$43.3K

$88.9K

$130K

How much do environmental science graduate jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental science graduate in Reston, VA is $88,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,905 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Project Developer

Lightshift Energy

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description:

About Lightshift Energy:

Founded at the beginning of 2019, Lightshift Energy (formerly Delorean Power) focuses on the development, design, financing, construction, ownership and operations of utility-scale energy storage projects in the US. Large-scale batteries allow our customers to save costs, operate the grid more reliably, and balance variations in wind and solar production. Located in Arlington, VA, Lightshift Energy works with utilities and large electric consumers on sophisticated, value-maximizing approaches to energy storage and clean energy integration. Lightshift Energyโ€™s leadership combines decades of clean energy expertise with a commitment to accelerating the shift to a sustainable energy future through storage.


Description of Role:

The Project Developer will be an integral member of Lightshiftโ€™s team, providing strategic support to the Project Development team, with a focus on utility-scale energy storage project development and origination. The Project Developer will facilitate Lightshiftโ€™s boots-on-the-ground project development efforts with support from the rest of the Lightshift team. Key responsibilities for the role include:

  • Identifying viable project sites and supporting land acquisition efforts;
  • Working with Project Development Managers, team engineers and analysts on project scope and site design;
  • Supporting federal, state and local permitting challenges as/when they arise;
  • Supporting the securing of interconnection rights for projects;
  • Providing research and due diligence support on all federal, state and local officials, regulators, utilities, RTOs, and other stakeholders throughout the project development process;
  • Providing key support for battery supply and EPC partners from project design to contract negotiation/execution;

Location:

Preference is for candidates to report to Lightshiftโ€™s Arlington, VA headquarters. We will consider remote employment for well qualified candidates and as long as there is overlap with Lightshiftโ€™s development efforts.


Compensation and Benefits:

  • Base salary range of $75,000 โ€“ $95,000; commensurate with related qualifications and experience/educational background;
  • Generous annual cash bonuses;
  • Full benefits package, including 401k, health/dental/vision insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and short-term disability.
Requirements:

The ideal candidate will be a recent college graduate (either undergraduate or graduate) with (1) strong problem-solving skills; (2) interpersonal skills; (3) excellent research and presentation skills; (4) working knowledge of US energy markets; (5) a collaborative attitude and desire to help out as needed to assist company growth plans; and a (6) desire to effectuate swift change in the clean energy transition. The core competencies required for this position will result in exceptional candidates quickly adding strategic value to Lightshift Energyโ€™s development pipeline throughout target markets in the United States.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated ability or desire to identify viable project sites and lead acquisition efforts of land for project development;
  • Demonstrated ability or desire to work with local communities and state and local authorities on project approvals;
  • Demonstrated ability or desire to identify energy storage market opportunities, determine use cases with prospective customers, and to develop project sites;
  • Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, take full ownership over assigned tasks, and comfort being proactive with colleagues in a collaborative environment;
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills;
  • Willingness to travel ~25-50% of the time;
  • Bachelors or Masterโ€™s degree in business, environmental science, energy management, renewable energy, electrical engineering, or related degree desired.