Environmental Science Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist to join our Land Development team. The Senior Environmental Scientist will lead a group of experienced biologists and ecologists who provide environmental and regulatory compliance support services to a broad range of clients. This position reports to the environmental group manager and other senior environmental scientists on a variety of environmental tasks including field delineations of wetlands and other waters of the U.S., performing tree surveys, collecting GIS data for analysis, preparing GIS maps and exhibits, supporting stormwater pollution prevention efforts, collecting soil and water samples, construction staking, and construction observation.

Requirements

• Conduct field delineations of wetlands and other waters of the U.S.
• Coordinate Section 404 permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Prepare technical reports
• Conduct tree inventories and tree surveys using GPS equipment
• Prepare GIS-based exhibits
• Prepare stormwater pollution prevention plans and conduct stormwater inspections
• Prepare Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments
• Field locate tree protection fencing and silt fence using GPS equipment
• Collect soil and water samples for lab testing
• Function as support staff to existing business lines (land development and oil & gas)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Take direction and ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Self-Motivated
• Strong attention to detail
• Ethical Practice
• Environmental Science
• Ability to multitask
• Commitment to quality, accuracy, and client service

SKILLS

• Experience with ArcGIS and similar software
• Proficient in vegetation and wildlife identification and soil classification
• Microsoft office software
• Technical writing
• Efficient use of time to complete tasks accurately, meet deadlines and adhere to budgets

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Effectively manages up to five (5) assigned technical personnel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment and requires a professional appearance. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This position also requires working outside frequently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. Physical ability to hike 5+ miles a day in rough terrain and harsh conditions while carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position regularly requires variable work hours and occasional weekend work.

TRAVEL

Employee will be required to travel for this position. Travel may be on short notice and distance may vary from local to regional to possible interstate travel

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor's degree in a natural resource- related field
• 5+ years of environmental science experience in land development industry

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Certified Wildlife Biologist
• ISA Certified Arborist certification

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

Join us in creating a better world.

In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.