Entry-Level Environmental Scientist (TxDOT NEPA)

Halff; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) plan

ESOP

Job summary

Halff is seeking an entry-level Environmental Scientist in North Austin, TX. New graduates are encouraged to apply to assist with NEPA studies for TxDOT projects, focusing on desktop and field data collection, GIS, and environmental report preparation.

The role supports a multidisciplinary team, with opportunities for professional growth, ownership potential, and exposure to a broad range of NEPA services and regulatory processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in environmental science, biology, natural resources management, or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro.
• Excellent research, analytical, and written and oral communication skills with public/stakeholder experience.
• Ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Support environmental projects from inception to completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality.
• Conduct environmental studies and data collection to identify impacts and solutions.
• Gain technical expertise on environmental regulations and best practices.
• Prepare reports including NEPA documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, and architects to integrate environmental considerations.
• Stay updated on regulations and environmental science trends.
• Communicate with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and clients to address concerns and obtain necessary permits.

Skills

GIS proficiency

Microsoft Office

Written & oral comms

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Attention to detail

CADD/GPS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in environmental science

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

CADD

GPS

Job description

Entry-Level Environmental Scientist (TxDOT NEPA), North Austin, TX

Halff has an open position for an entry-level Environmental Scientist at our North Austin, TX location. New graduates will be considered and are encouraged to apply. This position will assist with environmental impact studies (e.g., Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for various Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) transportation projects. There will be an emphasis on desktop and field data collection, GIS, preparation of environmental technical reports and documentation, and public involvement, while supporting all Halff offices.

Our team of environmental specialists offers expertise in NEPA and applicable federal and state regulatory requirements, guidelines, and procedures for a variety of clients and locations with a focus on transportation projects sponsored by TxDOT. The appropriately qualified applicant will need to demonstrate a willingness to join an established team of professionals and contribute to the success of that team. This position offers an excellent opportunity for career development with Halff, including long-term professional growth, personal development, and the potential for ownership in the firm.

What You Will Do

• Support environmental projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Conduct environmental studies, including data collection, site visits, and analyses, to identify potential environmental impacts or issues and contribute to the development of solutions for environmental regulatory compliance.
• Gain technical expertise on environmental regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Prepare reports, including environmental impact documentation, feasibility studies, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, architects, planners, to integrate environmental considerations into project designs and plans.
• Stay updated with emerging trends, regulations, and advancements in environmental science.
• Coordinate and communicate with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and clients to address environmental concerns and obtain necessary approvals or permits.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in environmental science, biology, natural resources management, or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro.
• Excellent research, analytical, and written and oral communication skills, with experience communicating with the public and to stakeholders.
• Positive attitude, initiative, and ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate with professionals from various backgrounds.
• Good organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in conducting environmental studies and preparing reports.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.
• Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, and permitting processes.
• Good knowledge of environmental science principles, regulations, and practices.
• Basic understanding of environmental assessment methodologies, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and assess environmental issues for the development of effective solutions.
• Some experience assisting with environmental projects.
• Proficiency with CADD and/or GPS technology is a plus.

The Halff Environmental Advantage

• Halff’s environmental scientists, planners, geologists and cultural resources specialists have a shared tenure — 25 years in some cases — that enables us to provide an unmatched level of continuity in our approach from shared project experience.
• The average tenure of Halff’s Environmental team leaders is 10 years.
• Halff’s environmental expertise allows for a categorically broad and diverse range of services.

Learn more about Halff's Environmental services, check out some of our projects, and meet our team

Halff’s Environmental Services

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documentation Services
• Wetland Delineation and Section 404/10 Permitting and Mitigation
• Cultural Resources Management
• Wildlife Habitat Assessments and Threatened/Endangered Species Surveys and Relocation
• GIS Geodatabase Development and Environmental Constraints Mapping/Analysis
• Oil and Gas Pipeline Permitting
• Electric Transmission Line Routing Studies and Expert Testimony
• Environmental Due Diligence, Remediation and Regulatory Closures
• Comprehensive Asbestos Consulting Services
• Storm Water Compliance
• Public Involvement

Company Overview

Halff is a full-service infrastructure consulting firm planned, designed, engineered, constructed — and purposed — for people. Since 1950, we’ve been creating smart solutions that improve lives and communities by turning ideas into reality.

Halff was founded on a core tenet: Focus on people, treat them well, and success will follow. It’s no wonder, then, that our employees and the culture they create result in our firm consistently being named a Top Workplace in America.

Our industry-leading professionals collaborate to meet tough challenges in creative ways. You can view Halff's full complement of services here

Halff has more than 30 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona and Georgia. For a full list of our locations, click here

We Offer Excellent Benefits, Including But Not Limited To

• Medical, dental, prescription and life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and 8 company paid holidays (and Veteran's Day for our veterans)
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 529 College Savings Plan
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Click here for a more comprehensive list of Halff's benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Halff is a drug‑free workplace. This offer of employment is contingent upon the receipt of a clear drug screen and background check prior to your first day of employment. This position may be subject to random drug testing pursuant to federal regulations.

#EarlyCareer