Spatial Ecologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Environmental Scientist

Job Description

The Environmental Scientist will support a variety of field and office-based environmental projects, with a primary focus on wetland delineations, forest stand delineations, tree assessments, Chesapeake Bay Area studies, and threatened and endangered species studies. Working under the supervision of mid-to-senior level staff, this role combines hands-on fieldwork with preparation of technical reports and maps using CAD, while managing multiple projects to meet quality, budget, and schedule expectations.

Responsibilities

• Perform wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and applicable Regional Supplements under the supervision of mid-to-senior level staff.
• Assist in conducting forest stand delineations and tree assessments in urban environments.
• Support Chesapeake Bay Area studies and threatened and endangered species studies under the guidance of mid-to-senior level staff.
• Assist in monitoring stream and wetland mitigation banks, including field data collection and documentation.
• Prepare clear and accurate technical reports that document field methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Create maps and figures in CAD to support environmental reports and project deliverables.
• Apply working knowledge of field techniques for wetland delineations, plant identification, soil sampling, and threatened and endangered species studies.
• Incorporate the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements, primarily the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont (EMP) and Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Plain (AGCP), into fieldwork and reporting.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining budget and schedule constraints while ensuring all deliverables meet established quality standards.
• Coordinate with project teams to ensure regulatory requirements are understood and integrated into project planning and execution.
• Maintain accurate field notes, records, and data to support detailed technical reporting.
• Contribute to a collaborative, small-team environment and support exposure to a broad range of environmental work.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 2 years of relevant environmental consulting experience.
• Working knowledge of field techniques for wetland delineations, including application of the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements (Eastern Mountains and Piedmont (EMP) and Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Plain (AGCP)).
• Demonstrated ability in plant identification in wetland and upland environments.
• Experience with soil sampling methods and interpretation of soil characteristics in the context of wetland delineation.
• Working knowledge of methods used in threatened and endangered species studies.
• Basic understanding of local, state, and federal regulatory regulations and processes related to land development in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
• Experience in recording and writing detailed technical reports that clearly present field observations and analyses.
• Ability to prepare maps and project figures using CAD software.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining budget, schedule, and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certified Arborist (ISA-CA) certification preferred.
• Experience with GIS software in addition to CAD for mapping and spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with wetland mitigation and wetland restoration concepts and practices.
• Understanding of ecological principles related to wetlands, streams, and forested habitats.
• Interest in obtaining additional professional certifications and expanding expertise across environmental disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with team members and preparation of client-ready deliverables.

Work Environment

This role operates within a small team of fewer than 20 people, offering a family-oriented, entrepreneurial atmosphere with close collaboration and exposure to a wide range of environmental work. The position involves a mix of field and office-based tasks, including time outdoors conducting wetland delineations, forest stand assessments, and mitigation bank monitoring, as well as time in the office preparing technical reports and CAD-based maps.

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

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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

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