Early Career Environmental Scientist

WSP; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP seeks an Early Career Environmental Scientist for our Gainesville, FL office to contribute to Permitting, Planning, and Licensing projects. You will assist with natural resource surveys, wetland delineations, water sampling, and data documentation as part of a growing interdisciplinary team.

You will apply foundational environmental knowledge, safety practices, and regulatory awareness while collaborating with planners, scientists, and engineers to deliver client-focused solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related life sciences field.
• 0 to 1+ years of relevant post-education experience.
• Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species/discipline.
• Familiar with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from office and project locations.
• Periodic travel for field surveys (typically home for weekends, but some extended opportunities) may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Ability to work outside under a variety of site and weather conditions

Responsibilities

• Conduct natural resource field surveys.
• Under general supervision, perform wetland delineations, T&E surveys, and natural resource inventories (NRIs).
• Conduct surface and ground water sampling
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
• Assist with performing basic professional environmental science work relating to ecological systems and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
• Comfortable with managing a workflow that includes field work and completion of reporting tasks for multiple projects in a timely manner
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
• Utilize the latest technologies, instrumentation, and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research techniques

Ecology knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Interpersonal communication

Self-leadership

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team collaboration

Business writing

Office software

Driving license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or related life sciences

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking an Early Career Environmental Scientistfor our Gainesville, FLoffice where you will be involved in projects within our Permitting, Planning, and Licensing Team and be a part of a growing organization that solves our clients’ challenges.

We’re looking for a motivated team member with an interest in environmental projects and regulatory agency requirements. To support our expanding portfolio, this role will be focused on Natural Resources and Permitting within a variety of markets. The candidate will provide technical assistance for the collection, identification, and compiling of data for a variety of biological, physical, and earth science projects across the region. You’ll be part of our interdisciplinary team and collaborate with planners, scientists, and engineers across WSP to deliver impactful results for our clients.

Your Impact

• Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys.
• Under general supervision, perform wetland delineations, T&E surveys, and natural resource inventories (NRIs).
• Conduct surface and ground water sampling
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
• Assist with performing basic professional environmental science work relating to ecological systems and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
• Comfortable with managing a workflow that includes field work and completion of reporting tasks for multiple projects in a timely manner
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
• Utilize the latest technologies, instrumentation, and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related life sciences field.
• 0 to 1+ years of relevant post education experience.
• Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species/discipline.
• Familiar with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from office and project locations.
• Periodic travel for field surveys (typically home for weekends, but some extended opportunities) may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Ability to work outside under a variety of site and weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Wetlands Professional in Training (WPIT) status with the Society of Wetland Scientists or equivalent education/experience.
• Herbaceous and woody plant identification skills.
• FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent status
• Demonstrated experience trailering and operating small boats
• ArcGIS capabilities