Science Journalism Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech's Denver Operations team is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist to support a variety of energy, environmental, and infrastructure projects in a dynamic environmental consulting environment.

This position combines strategic communications, public outreach, community and stakeholder engagement, and project coordination. The successful candidate will support the Strategic Communications Lead and project managers in developing and implementing communications strategies for projects throughout the Central United States.

The ideal candidate will have strong writing and communication skills, experience translating complex technical information into clear and accessible content for diverse audiences, and the ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced consulting environment. Experience supporting energy infrastructure projects is strongly preferred but not required.

Candidates with website and content management experience, including WordPress and basic HTML, are preferred.

Location: This position is located in the Midwestern United States, with a preference for candidates in Minneapolis, Minnesota or Chicago, Illinois. Most work may be performed in person, hybrid, or remotely; however, occasional in-person meetings and project-related travel will be required.

Application Requirement: In addition to submitting an online application and resume, candidates should upload three work samples demonstrating relevant strategic communications competencies.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Implement strategic communications, community engagement, and stakeholder relations strategies for energy, environmental, and infrastructure projects.
• Develop communications materials that translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Research, compile, and analyze public and stakeholder information to support communications strategies and public-facing materials.
• Prepare presentations, meeting materials, public information materials, and other communications deliverables.
• Review communications materials for grammar, style, tone, branding, accuracy, and consistency with client standards, including AP or Chicago style.
• Apply strong critical-thinking skills and a flexible approach to problem solving.

Digital Communications

• Maintain and configure project websites and online communications resources.
• Support website content development and updates using content management systems such as WordPress.
• Apply basic HTML knowledge, as appropriate, to support digital communications.
• Track, measure, and analyze the effectiveness of strategic communications and engagement approaches.

Project & Meeting Support

• Collaborate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams to support project communications and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Support and facilitate in-person and virtual public meetings and stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinate meeting logistics, materials, presentations, and related communications.
• Manage multiple assignments, schedules, and deliverables while maintaining quality and meeting project deadlines.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors in the production of strategic communications materials.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively with project teams.

Business Development

• Support development and production of proposals for strategic communications, energy, environmental, and infrastructure projects.
• Assist with development of scopes of work and cost estimates.
• Collaborate with technical and business development teams to support client pursuits and growth opportunities.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Political Science, Journalism, or a related discipline. 
• A bachelor's degree in another discipline or equivalent experience may be considered with directly applicable experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in strategic communications, public outreach, stakeholder engagement, public relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to develop written materials for diverse audiences.
• Understanding of strategic communications concepts and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and occasionally nationally, generally less than 10%.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting energy, environmental, utility, or infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of the development and construction of energy infrastructure projects.
• Project management or project coordination experience.
• Knowledge of utility-scale energy systems.
• Knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Experience with content management systems, particularly WordPress.
• Basic HTML knowledge.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Previous environmental or engineering consulting experience.

Work Environment / Travel:

• This position may be performed in an office, hybrid, or remote work environment within the Midwestern United States, with preference for candidates located in Minneapolis, MN or Chicago, IL.
• The position requires occasional attendance at in-person public meetings, stakeholder meetings, client meetings, and other project-related events. Local and occasional national travel is expected and is generally less than 10%.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.  https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $65,000-$90,000 annually

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.