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Environmental Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Scientist

Reston, VA

$78K - $102K/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

Reston, VA · On-site

$79K - $104K/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

Reston, VA

$79K - $104K/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 ...

Environmental Scientist

Reston, VA

$78K - $102K/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 The Environmental Scientist will support a variety of field and office-based environmental projects, with a primary focus on wetland delineations, forest stand delineations ...

Wetland Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

TNT is seeking an Environmental Scientist with 2-5 years of relevant experience for its Chantilly, Virginia office. Qualified candidates should have a degree in Biology, Ecology, Botany, or ...

Wetland Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

TNT is seeking an Environmental Scientist with 2-5 years of relevant experience for its Chantilly, Virginia office. Qualified candidates should have a degree in Biology, Ecology, Botany, or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Environmental Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$87.5K

$128K

How much do environmental scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental scientist 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 I get with environmental science?

Environmental scientists can work in roles such as environmental consultants, conservation scientists, environmental analysts, and sustainability specialists. These jobs often involve fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting, and may require knowledge of environmental regulations and tools like GIS software.

What jobs can I do with environmental science?

Environmental scientists can work in roles such as environmental consultants, conservation scientists, environmental analysts, and sustainability specialists. They often work in fields like environmental policy, water and air quality management, ecological research, and environmental education, utilizing skills in data collection, analysis, and environmental regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Scientist, and why are they important?

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 do you do as an environmental scientist?

An environmental scientist studies the environment and develops solutions to environmental problems. They collect data, analyze pollution levels, and assess the impact of human activities on ecosystems. The role often involves fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and using tools like GIS software, with certifications such as the Professional Environmental Certification (PEC) being beneficial.

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 Do Environmental Scientists 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 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.

What are Environmental Scientists?

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 are the top 12 careers for environmental majors?

Environmental scientists can pursue careers such as environmental consultant, conservation scientist, environmental engineer, wildlife biologist, environmental policy analyst, sustainability manager, environmental technician, climate change analyst, water resource specialist, environmental educator, renewable energy analyst, and environmental health and safety officer. These roles often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of environmental regulations, and proficiency with tools like GIS and data analysis software.
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Scientist jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Environmental Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Scientist jobs in Reston, VA? For Environmental Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Environmental Scientist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Environmental Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,518 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Environmental Scientist

$78K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

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 meetings and coordinate with clients, government entities, and regulatory agencies to meet project requirements
  • Manage project budgets and schedules to ensure work is delivered on time
  • Track and manage project progress, budgets, and timelines
  • Contributing to a variety of environmental projects
  • Build and maintain strong internal and external professional relationships
  • Collaborating with other industry leading professionals, various jurisdictions, and contractors
  • Some travel required (15-20%)
Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant experience, including state and federal wetland and species permitting requirements
  • Bachelors or Masters Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany, Biology, or related field
  • Ecological field work experience
  • Possess strong technical writing skills and have experience writing detailed technical reports
  • Working knowledge or strong interest in ArcGIS
  • Enjoy working in both an office environment and in the field
  • Interest in working with planners and designers to avoid and minimize ecological impacts
  • Willingness and flexibility to travel for projects as needed
  • Strong sense of urgency and self-initiative to meet client deadlines
  • Desire to provide exceptional client service
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to enjoy work independently and on a team
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967