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Environmental Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Scientist As an Environmental Scientist, you will perform wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements, primarily ...

Environmental Scientist

Arlington, VA

$86K - $113K/yr

AECOM is looking for a Mid-Level Environmental Scientist to grow their career - where we'll empower you to learn in the delivery of environmental site characterization and remediation projects for ...

Overview Kimley-Horn's Reston, VA office is seeking an Environmental Scientist with 4+ years of experience to join their Environmental team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities * Attend ...

Environmental Scientist

Reston, VA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Overview Kimley-Horn's Reston, VA office is seeking an Environmental Scientist with 4+ years of experience to join their Environmental team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities * Attend ...

Environmental Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $113K/yr

AECOM is looking for a Mid-Level Environmental Scientist to grow their career - where we'll empower you to learn in the delivery of environmental site characterization and remediation projects for ...

Environmental Scientist

Arlington, VA

$86K - $113K/yr

AECOM is looking for a Mid-Level Environmental Scientist to grow their career - where we'll empower you to learn in the delivery of environmental site characterization and remediation projects for ...

Environmental Scientist

Reston, VA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Kimley-Horn's Reston, VA office is seeking an Environmental Scientist with 4+ years of experience to join their Environmental team! This is not a remote position. * Attend meetings and coordinate ...

Overview Kimley-Horn's Reston, VA office is seeking an Environmental Scientist with 4+ years of experience to join their Environmental team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities * Attend ...

Environmental Scientist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

APTIM currently has a career-growth opportunity for a junior level Environmental Scientist to support site investigation, characterization, and remedial actions at environmentally impacted sites ...

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

Arlington, VA

$86K - $113K/yr

AECOM is looking for a Mid-Level Environmental Scientist to grow their career - where we'll empower you to learn in the delivery of environmental site characterization and remediation projects for ...

Environmental Scientist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$32.69 - $35.10/hr

APTIM Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC is seeking a junior-level Environmental Scientist on a full-time basis to participate in a variety of environmental compliance tasks in support of our RCRA ...

Environmental Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$28.85 - $48.08/hr

Environmental Scientist As an Environmental Scientist, you will perform wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements, primarily ...

Environmental Scientist III

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Dewberry is currently seeking an Environmental Scientist II for our Fairfax, Virginia office. This full-time opening will provide the applicant with the opportunity to work as part of a growing team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Environmental Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$40.6K

$83.4K

$121.9K

How much do environmental scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 is an environmental scientist?

Environmental Scientists are professionals who study the environment and find ways to protect it from pollution and other hazards. They analyze air, water, and soil samples to identify environmental problems and develop solutions to minimize human impact on the environment. Their work often involves conducting research, preparing reports, and advising organizations and governments on environmental policies. Environmental Scientists play a crucial role in sustainability and conservation efforts worldwide.

What does an environmental scientist do?

Environmental scientists conduct research designed to recognize hazardous conditions that affect the environment or public health, such as pollution or water contamination, and suggest ways to control or remove them. This research generally involves collecting and analyzing various environmental samples, examining published data from other scientists, and exploring connections between the results and human activity. Environmental scientists need to be excellent communicators and writers, preparing reports, research papers, and presentations that demonstrate and defend their findings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental scientist?

To thrive as an Environmental Scientist, you need a solid background in environmental science or related fields, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental modeling tools, and data analysis programs is often required, along with relevant certifications like HAZWOPER. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for collaboration and effective reporting. These competencies are vital for accurately assessing environmental issues, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving impactful solutions.

What are some common challenges environmental scientists face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Environmental Scientists often collaborate with professionals from engineering, policy, and public health backgrounds. A common challenge is translating scientific findings into actionable recommendations that are understandable to non-scientists. Balancing differing priorities, such as regulatory compliance versus environmental protection, can also create tension. Effective communication and adaptability are essential for ensuring that environmental concerns are accurately represented and integrated into broader project goals.

What is the difference between Environmental Scientist vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field; often advanced degrees for specialized rolesAssociate's or bachelor's degree in environmental technology or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research labs, data analysis, report writingField sampling, data collection, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, consulting firms, research institutionsEnvironmental service companies, government agencies, industrial sites

Environmental Scientists and Environmental Technicians both work to protect the environment, but Scientists focus on research, data analysis, and developing solutions, while Technicians primarily collect samples and perform field tests. Their roles complement each other within environmental projects.

Do environmental scientists get paid a lot?

Environmental scientists typically earn a median annual salary that is around the national average for science and engineering occupations, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries. Overall, environmental science is considered a moderately paying field compared to other scientific careers.

What jobs can I do with environmental scientist?

Environmental scientists can work in roles such as environmental consultant, conservation scientist, environmental analyst, or sustainability specialist. They often work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, utilizing skills in data collection, environmental assessment, and regulatory compliance.

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 Environmental Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Environmental Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 59% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,402 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Environmental Scientist

Chantilly, VA

Actalent
Business Management Consulting • 5 - 10K employees

$28.85 - $48.08/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Environmental ScientistJob Description

As an Environmental Scientist, you will perform wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements, primarily focusing on the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont (EMP) and Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Plain (AGCP) under the guidance of mid-to-senior level staff. You will assist in conducting forest stand delineations and tree assessments in urban settings, perform Chesapeake Bay Area and threatened and endangered species studies, and assist in monitoring stream and wetland mitigation banks. You will be responsible for preparing technical reports and maps in CAD, managing multiple projects while maintaining budget and schedule restraints, and ensuring quality standards on all project deliverables.

Responsibilities
  • Perform wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.
  • Assist in conducting forest stand delineations and tree assessments in urban settings.
  • Perform Chesapeake Bay Area and threatened and endangered species studies.
  • Assist in monitoring of stream and wetland mitigation banks.
  • Prepare technical reports and maps in CAD.
  • Manage multiple projects, maintaining budget and schedule restraints and ensuring quality standards.
Essential Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related discipline.
  • 2+ years of relevant environmental consulting experience.
  • Basic understanding of local, state, and federal regulatory regulations and processes in Virginia, Maryland, DC, and West Virginia related to land development.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Detail-oriented with well-developed written/verbal communication and analytical skills.
  • Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to work a mixture of office and field work, in all seasons of the year and regularly travel regionally.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist (ISA-CA) designation.
  • Experience with CAD or GIS software.
  • Experience in recording/writing detailed technical reports.
  • Working knowledge of field techniques for wetland delineations, plant identification, soil sampling and threatened and endangered species studies.
Work Environment

The work environment includes a mix of office and field work, with a 60-40 split. You will work 40-50 hours per week and will need to commute to projects throughout Virginia. The team is small and entrepreneurial, providing the opportunity to own projects from cradle to grave and gain exposure to other environmental-related work. One company vehicle is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The company has one of the highest projects per capita in Virginia, with over 20 active wetland/stream projects, offering a strong growth path and the ability to earn additional certifications.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chantilly, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $48.08/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

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Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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