Environmental Scientist

External Description

Audubon Field Services is looking for an Environmental Scientist to join our team in the Houston, TX office. The Environmental Scientist will perform environmental services including biological surveys, wetlands and waters delineations, and Phase I & II environmental site assessments. The Environmental Scientist will complete wetland delineations consistent with Section 404 of the CWA and the USACE 1987 Manual and prepare wetland delineation reports and/or biological field summary reports. This position will be primarily responsible for conducting desktop assessments, field surveys, and report writing for natural resources-related permitting and compliance on energy and other infrastructure and development projects. The successful candidate will be comfortable learning and executing a variety of tasks to support additional practice areas as-needed, such as cultural resources, environmental construction compliance, commercial environmental risk, and other permits.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Conduct desktop research, field data collection, and report preparation primarily in support of wetland delineation and biological assessments for sensitive (T&E) species. May also contribute to cultural resources assessments, environmental construction inspections/oversight, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) plans, and other evaluations as-needed.
• Prepare USACE permit applications and/or applicable compliance documentation related to Section 404 and Section 10, such as Nationwide Permit Pre-Construction Notifications and Individual Permit Applications
• Assist with preparation of comprehensive environmental documents in support of NEPA compliance, such as Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
• Regularly interface and coordinate with local, state, federal, and tribal agencies.
• Prepare comprehensive local/state/federal permit requirement matrices.
• Actively participate in company and client hazard identification and observation programs, and immediately report any unsafe acts, conditions or incidents to your supervisor.
• Interact and communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors and other consultants.
• Set realistic expectations and ensure assigned projects are completed according to schedule and within budget.
• Visit job-sites to evaluate site, project requirements, and conditions.
• Plan and manage workload, budgets and project resources, requesting assistance as necessary.
• Prepare or direct preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, and/or construction schedules for projects.
• Manage client relationships and develop repeat business opportunities.
• Undertake technical and feasibility studies including site investigations.
• Provide advice and assistance on work techniques, best practices, and subject matter expertise to co-workers.
• Conduct Phase I environmental site assessments meeting both ASTM and AAI requirements to qualify for landowner protection under CERCLA

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor of Science in the physical sciences or engineering required.
• Graduate degree preferred.
• 2+ years’ experience conducting field surveys, report preparation, and permitting relating to wetland delineation and T&E species assessments.
• Experience employing the basic principles of technical scientific studies, including field data collection, QA/QC, and thorough documentation.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS and GIS field data collection tools, such as Trimble devices.
• Experience with and/or knowledge of a diverse range of regulatory programs ( CWA, ESA, NEPA, NPDES, ASTM, CERCLA, RCRA) and agencies ( USACE, BLM, USFWS, EPA, FERC, various local/state environmental and natural/cultural resources agencies).
• Experience collecting soil, sediment, surface water, and/or groundwater samples.
• Ability to conduct on-the-ground scientific studies and monitoring required.
• Proficient in Windows based software and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access) to complete document preparation, project reporting, presentations, and general research required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Ability and willingness to travel for field work, including overnight travel and occasionally non-standard hours, as-needed for client projects; expected travel up to 40% of the time.
• A valid driver's license and clean driving record required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled