Associate Environmental Specialist

GAI Consultants; Homestead (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-based compensation

Performance bonuses

Health plans (medical, dental, vision)

Job summary

GAI Consultants, Inc. seeks an Associate Environmental Specialist to support ecological studies from its Homestead, PA office. The role focuses on field assessments, data collection, and preparation of reports and permitting documents for energy projects.

This position offers hands-on fieldwork, training, and opportunities to grow within a multidisciplinary environmental consulting team, with travel to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of experience conducting environmental field surveys; OH/PA/WV area preferred.
• Knowledge of wetland delineation concepts and regulatory guidance is a plus.
• Ability to identify vegetation and use GPS devices.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; ArcGIS experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with environmental field surveys including wetland and stream delineations, endangered species surveys, environmental inspections, and compliance monitoring.
• Data collection using handheld GPS.
• Assist with the preparation of permit applications and environmental reports.
• Assist with transmission line siting investigations and documentation.
• Travel will be expected as part of this position.

Skills

GPS data collection

Written communication

Verbal communication

MS Office

ArcGIS

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

BS/MS in Biology or Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

GAI Consultants, Inc., is seeking an Associate Environmental Specialist to support ecological studies. This position will report to our Homestead, PA office. The Environmental Specialist's primary work responsibility will be to assist with field assessments and documentation of environmental resources for electric transmission and other energy-related projects. The individual will also assist in the compilation of data and the preparation of reports and permitting documents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with environmental field surveys including but not limited to wetland and stream delineations, endangered species surveys, environmental inspections, and compliance monitoring.
• Data collection using handheld GPS.
• Assist with the preparation of permit applications and associated environmental reports.
• Assist with transmission line siting investigations and siting documentation.
• Must be flexible; travel will be expected as part of this position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of experience conducting environmental field surveys in OH, PA, WV, or surrounding states; electric transmission experience a plus.
• Knowledge of/experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987) and Regional Supplements preferred. Wetland delineation training is strongly preferred.
• Ability to identify upland and wetland vegetation a plus;
• Experience utilizing handheld GPS a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and technical writing ability.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications; ArcGIS experience a plus.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must be able to travel, including overnight trips.
• A valid Driver’s License is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike moderate distances through rugged unimproved terrain, utility rights-of-way, in remote areas, etc.
• Ability to hear and visualize potential hazards during fieldwork or site visit situations.

General Characteristics

• Begins to acquire basic skills; follows procedures; learns record keeping protocols general topographic and arial photograph reading experience, learns technical literature basics, available for frequent travel and field work.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 0 to 1 Years of Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences or similar field of study

Certification / Licensure

• Driver’s License required

Technical Responsibilities

• Introduction to ecological field data collection, wetland delineations, basic regulatory agency applications, gains knowledge of regulatory requirements, and other duties as required; receives technical training for career enhancement.

Project and Task Management

• Responsible for personal task management and adherence to deadlines and scope

Management Responsibility

• Close supervision on all work assignments.
• No managerial responsibilities at this level.

Communication Skills

• Possesses basic oral and written communication skills. Identifies and acknowledges principles of teamwork and leadership.
• Interacts primarily with internal project team members.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Marketbased, competitive compensation
• Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Companypaid short-term and long-term disability
• Companypaid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work–Life Balance

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• Anadditionalfloating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications