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Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment Jobs in Rochester, NY

Environmental Scientist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$74K - $97.20K/yr

Support preparation and development of NYSDEC/USACE Joint Permit Applications, including SEQR Compliance (Environmental Assessment Forms and Environmental Impact Statements); familiarity with NYSPSC ...

Instead, you will step into a professionally produced environment where our team handles the ... impact role without the traditional production burden. Powered by JazzHR sh0BtMT4yE

Shape the future of sustainable industry with data-driven environmental impact. As organizations ... You'll help clients make decisions rooted in accurate data-through assessments, analyses, modeling ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$14

$47

$130

How much do freelance environmental impact assessment jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance environmental impact assessment in Rochester, NY is $47.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $60.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) specialist, you need a solid background in environmental science, ecology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with regulatory frameworks. Familiarity with GIS software, impact modeling tools, and knowledge of local and international EIA regulations are typically required. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and project management skills help you effectively liaise with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. These competencies are crucial for delivering accurate assessments, ensuring compliance, and building trust in your professional services.

What are some common challenges freelance Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) professionals face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Freelance EIA professionals often juggle several projects with varying timelines and requirements, making time management crucial. Coordinating with diverse stakeholders—such as clients, regulatory agencies, and community members—can require strong communication skills and adaptability. Additionally, keeping up-to-date with evolving environmental regulations and ensuring that all assessments meet local and national standards can be demanding. Balancing these responsibilities while maintaining high-quality, objective reports is a common challenge in this freelance role.

What is a freelance environmental impact assessment?

A freelance environmental impact assessment (EIA) involves an independent professional evaluating the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development. Freelancers in this field work on a contract basis for companies, governments, or non-profits, conducting research, field studies, and preparing reports to identify and mitigate negative impacts on the environment. Their work helps ensure that projects comply with environmental regulations and promote sustainable practices. Freelance EIAs are valued for their flexibility, specialized expertise, and unbiased perspective.

What is the difference between Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment vs Environmental Consultant?

AspectFreelance Environmental Impact AssessmentEnvironmental Consultant
CredentialsTypically requires environmental science or related degree; certifications varyRequires similar degrees and often professional certifications (e.g., EIAs, LEED)
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteEmployed by firms or agencies, often on-site or in offices
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance practitioners serve clients across industries, including construction and governmentConsultants work within firms providing specialized environmental services

Freelance Environmental Impact Assessments are typically performed independently on a project basis, offering flexibility. Environmental Consultants usually work within organizations or consulting firms, providing ongoing expertise. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment structure and work setting.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment jobs in Rochester, NY? For Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Freelance Environmental Impact Assessment job openings:
Managing Consultant, Land Use & Visual Impact Planner

Managing Consultant, Land Use & Visual Impact Planner

The ERM International Group Limited

Rochester, NY • On-site

$79.40K - $101.69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Are you a seasoned leader ready to guide complex, high-visibility infrastructure projects that shape the future of North America's energy landscape? At ERM, you'll direct multidisciplinary teams, influence strategic siting and permitting decisions, and ensure the technical integrity of work that drives meaningful environmental outcomes.
Why This Role Matters
As energy infrastructure expands to meet growing demand for reliability and resilience, thoughtful land use planning and visual impact evaluation are essential. ERM is seeking a Managing Consultant, Land Use & Visual Impact Planner to help clients navigate complex siting environments, regulatory pathways, and stakeholder expectations. Your expertise will strengthen ERM's ability to deliver trusted assessments that enable responsible development across North America.
What Your Impact Is
In this role, you will:
  • Lead environmental planning, impact assessments, and permitting for major infrastructure initiatives.
  • Produce high-quality Visual Impact Assessments (VIAs) and technical reports that stand up to regulatory and stakeholder review.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams-including GIS, visual simulation specialists, and technical experts-to deliver clear, defensible analyses.
  • Serve as a strategic partner to clients, helping them solve problems, anticipate challenges, and advance their projects with confidence.
  • Mentor emerging planners and analysts, strengthening ERM's technical bench and collaborative team culture.

What You'll Bring
Required
  • BA/BS in Environmental Studies, Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, or related field.
  • 5-10 years of consulting experience in environmental impact assessment, permitting, and visual analysis.
  • Proven success managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, and client relationships.
  • Exceptional technical writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to interpret maps, schematics, and site layouts.
  • Familiarity with NEPA, federal and state regulatory frameworks, and agency-specific VIA methodologies (e.g., BLM, FHWA, USFS, BOEM).
  • Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel (10-15%) to various client locations across a large geographical area.
  • This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred
  • MA/MS in a relevant discipline.
  • Professional certifications such as PE, CEP, AICP, or similar.
  • Experience supporting or leading business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and contribute to environmental impact assessments, land planning, facility siting, and permitting for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects.
  • Produce, manage, and review Visual Impact Assessments (VIAs) and related technical deliverables.
  • Coordinate and integrate work from multidisciplinary teams to ensure technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
  • Serve as a task manager or project manager, overseeing budgets, timelines, and quality standards.
  • Mentor technical staff and foster a collaborative, high-performing project environment.
  • Conduct site visits and maintain direct client communication to support successful project delivery.

For the Managing Consultant, Land Use & Visual Impact Planner position, the anticipated annual base pay is $79,395-$101,693 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.
Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.
Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.
At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.
Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.
ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Thank you for your interest in ERM!
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