Environmental Scientist (Natural Resources)

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position Summary: This position is perfect for a mid-level natural resources professional who is experienced with various environmental investigation (wetland and stream delineations, habitat assessments, vegetation analysis, species surveys) and is experienced in leading field teams and mentoring entry-level staff. The candidate must be able to work both collaboratively in a team setting and independently to complete assigned tasks on schedule while managing multiple priorities and adapting to evolving project needs. The candidate must exhibit the ability to collect defensible scientific information in the field, conduct appropriate data analysis to synthesize the information, and clearly and concisely communicate findings in technical reports. The position requires excellent communication and organizational skills and the candidate is expected to be self-motivated to do good work and have fun while doing it.

Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Wetland and stream delineations
• Species specific and general protected species habitat surveys
• Wetland and stream mitigation monitoring
• Migratory bird nest surveys
• Collects data and field samples during field investigations
• Oversees, analyzes, and manages data received from field investigations; determines the location, size, condition, and impacts to designated environmental resources
• Documents methodologies and findings of research and field investigations
• Leads, prepares, and manages natural environmental technical reports, field delineation reports, impact assessments, environmental inspection reports, and similar reports
• Creates maps and exhibits to support technical reporting and permitting documents
• Researches and interprets federal, state, and local regulations on a project-specific basis to assess project permitting feasibility and requirements, and interface with regulatory agencies
• Applies critical thinking, a flexible approach to problem solving, excellent interpersonal communication (oral and written), planning, and organizational skills and attention to detail
• Supports the development of various state, federal, and local regulatory permit application processes, such as Section 404/401, Endangered Species Act Section 7 & 10 Consultation, NPDES, etc.
• Mentoring/training entry-level field staff to conduct fieldwork

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

• Supports preparation of NEPA documents, including writing environmental setting and impact analyses sections
• Participates in preparation of public involvement materials and attends public meetings
• Leads and manages environmental compliance surveys (e.g., stormwater management facilities, erosion and sediment control procedures, design/build projects, etc.) and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
• Participates in geomorphic surveys and design efforts of ecological restoration projects
• Assists the cultural resources practice with archeological digs and other similar studies
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening
• Valid driver's license
• Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Pro to create maps and exhibits
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and familiarity with AutoCADD and/or Microstation
• Ability to walk over uneven and vegetated terrain, carrying field equipment and coolers (up to 25 pounds)
• Ability to regularly utilize sampling tools such as hand augers and sharp-shooter shovels to access soils up to three feet below the natural ground surface
• Willingness to travel and work hours other than Monday-Friday and other than 8am to 5pm as needed for project work

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental or natural science, biology, planning, ecology, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience with essential functions and responsibilities as outlined above
• Experience delineating wetland and streams in the Atlantic and/or Gulf Coastal Plains and/or Great Plains in accordance with the 1987 USACE Manual and applicable Regional Supplements
• Expertise with USACE regulatory permitting under CWA Section 404 and/or RHA Section 10
• Working knowledge of sub-meter GPS technologies, field data collection, and map interpretation (NWI, USGS, aerial imagery)
• Local or regional familiarity with projects in Texas and surrounding areas

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree in natural resource management, environmental or natural science, biology, planning, ecology, or a related field
• Professional Certifications (e.g., Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Wetland Delineator, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Certified Environmental Professional, Project Management Professional, etc.)
• Wetland/Stream Permitting and Jurisdictional Determination experience within the Galveston and/or Fort Worth Districts of the USACE
• Prior experience in the environmental consulting industry
• Ability to operate UTV/ATVs, boats, and trailers
• TxDOT pre-certified for multiple environmental categories
• Advanced wetland delineation and/or hydric soils training
• Scientific collections permit from TPWD and/or USFWS for various species of plant and/or animal species (e.g., freshwater mussels, reptiles, amphibians, avifauna, fish, mammals, etc.)
• Experience preparing biological consultation documents for ESA Section 7 and/or 10, including Biological Assessments and Biological Evaluations, and obtaining concurrence from USFWS
• Rosgen Level I-IV training

Working Conditions

Work is performed within a general office environment approximately 60% of the time. Office work is generally sedentary in nature but may require occasional standing and walking. Office work is performed with adequate lighting and temperature, with no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.

Field work is required approximately 40% of the time and is conducted outdoors in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Field work will require walking and carrying field equipment over typical outdoor terrain. Some lifting (up to 25 lbs) may be required as needed.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

• Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening
• Valid driver's license
• Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Pro to create maps and exhibits
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and familiarity with AutoCADD and/or Microstation
• Ability to walk over uneven and vegetated terrain, carrying field equipment and coolers (up to 25 pounds)
• Ability to regularly utilize sampling tools such as hand augers and sharp-shooter shovels to access soils up to three feet below the natural ground surface
• Willingness to travel and work hours other than Monday-Friday and other than 8am to 5pm as needed for project work