Environmental Compliance Specialist 1

GAI Consultants Inc.; Richmond, Warrenton (VA, VA); Remote; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Company-paid disability and life保险

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development support

Job summary

GAI Consultants Inc. in Richmond, VA seeks an Environmental Specialist to lead field E&S monitoring and support environmental reporting. This remote role requires travel to project sites across the region, with a focus on Virginia and Maryland regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will draft reports, review plans, and ensure safety and QA/QC standards. A degree in environmental fields plus several years of field monitoring experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Associates degree with engineering/environmental/science focus.
• Four years of demonstrated environmental field monitoring experience.
• Knowledge of E&S control BMP concepts and maintenance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and technical writing.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and related Office apps.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass drug screening.
• Willingness to travel regionally (2–5 hours; 4–5 days/week).

Responsibilities

• Perform field monitoring of erosion and sediment controls independently.
• Review specifications, permits, and E&S plans for projects.
• Prepare and review periodic monitoring reports based on field observations.
• Assist with environmental reports, permit applications, and closeout requests.
• Adhere to Health, Safety, QA/QC standards and procedures.

Skills

GPS data collection

MS Word

MS Excel

Technical writing

Education

Associates degree in engineering/environmental/science

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences or similar

Tools

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

SQL/Access

MS Office suite

Job description

GAI Consultants is seeking an Environmental Specialist with experience in performing conducting field compliance monitoring to be based out of our Richmond, VA office, within our Power & Energy Business Unit.

This position is remote and will require technical analysis and writing as well as some travel to various project sites regional to the Upper Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic Regions. Applicants should enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment. This position will afford an excellent opportunity for the individual to expand their experience and knowledge base in federal and state environmental regulations and methodologies primarily in Virginia and Maryland.

The successful candidate will serve as a field lead to perform, with minimal supervision, various assignments including, but not limited to those listed below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performing field monitoring of erosion and sediment (E&S) controls on various types of construction Projects (linear and site-based) while working independently.
• Reviewing and understanding specifications, permits, and permit conditions as well as E&S control and stormwater plans associated with both site and linear construction Projects.
• Preparing and reviewing periodic monitoring reports based upon field observations. Reports may be submitted via paper report or electronically as required.
• Assisting with the preparation of environmental reports, permit applications, and closeout requests such as wetland and stream delineation reports, erosion and sediment control plans, and sound studies.
• Agreeing and adhering to the Health and Safety requirements of GAI Consultants and GAI’s clients.
• Maintaining QA/QC standards and adhering to the Quality Management System procedures of GAI Consultants and the quality procedures of GAI’s clients.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of an Associates (A.S.) degree from an accredited college with an engineering/environmental/science focus.
• Four years of demonstrated experience in performing environmental field monitoring. Consideration will be given to candidates that can specifically show E&S control monitoring or similar experience.
• Comprehension of E&S control BMP concepts, designs, and maintenance requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and technical writing ability.
• Ability to utilize electronic location devices such as a GPS or a GPS enabled device to collect data tied to a Project location.
• Candidate must be proficient in using Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel, and MS Office applications and be familiar with report, database, and form completion through both MS Word applications (e.g., Access, SQL) and online programs.
• A valid driver’s license along with ability to pass required screening to drive a GAI vehicle.
• Must be flexible. Travel will be expected as part of this position.
• Regional travel for various construction projects (2-5 hours round trip). 4-5 days/week, year-round. Office time will be available.

Preferred: (Not required, but candidates that demonstrate these qualifications will be given preference)

• Knowledge of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations and permitting and familiarity with environmental agency E&S control guidelines and best management practice (BMP) designs, construction, and maintenance. Consideration will be given to candidates that can demonstrate experience
• Past experience working with an environmental review agency (e.g. state or local conservation district) either for the agency or with the agency as a consultant or owner.
• Experience in SWPPP, NPDES Permit Application and/or Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Plan Development.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or GIS (ArcGIS).
• Experience in environmental compliance such as air compliance and/or spill response planning a plus.
• Certifications : VA DEQ E&S Inspector, Stormwater Inspector, Qualified Personnel Certification (strongly preferred)
• Trainings : RCRA, HAZWOPER, OSHA.

Travel:

• 75% of work day with travel to various project sites. Potential overnight stays.

Physical Demands and/or Other Job Information:

• Ability to walk moderate distances through unimproved terrain, utility rights-of-way, in remote areas, etc.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to hear and visualize potential hazards during fieldwork or site visit situations.
• GAI Consultants prides itself on the quality of its employees and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a drug screening.

Technical Responsibilities

• Working towards leading field studies and data collection; Generates well written, technically sound documents with little assistance from senior staff and requiring minor edits; Agency interface; Data analysis and interpretation; Acquires ability to research Federal, State, and local applicable environmental regulations and guidance and applies them to project specifics, understand when and how to consult with agencies, and duties as required; May become specialized within a specific discipline; receives technical training for career enhancement.

Project and Task Management

• Works as a part of a team and coordinates work with others.
• Assists in determining schedule and budget requirements.

Management Responsibility

• No managerial responsibilities at this level.

Communication Skills

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills; interacts well with other staffs; interact with clients with close oversight, interacts closely with Project Managers and various Department Managerial Staff, performs well with client communications.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences orsimilar field of studypreferred
• Minimum of an Associates (A.S.) degree from an accredited college with an engineering/environmental/science focus.

Why GAI?

GAI offers an exceptional place to do meaningful work, grow your career, and make a real impact in communities nationwide. You’ll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm bringing together engineering, planning, and environmental expertise to deliver projects across transportation, infrastructure, power, and energy markets. Working alongside accomplished colleagues, you’ll help move projects from vision through construction, creating solutions that keep people moving, power essential systems, and support responsible development.

At GAI, you’ll work in a team-driven environment grounded in integrity, respect, and shared success, with the flexibility, resources, and career support that reflect a real and lasting commitment to our people. That commitment includes comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts. With opportunities across the U.S., GAI offers the collaboration and client focus of regional teams, supported by the stability, resources, and career-development opportunities of an established and growing firm.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• Anadditionalfloating holiday-use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

Travel Required

Yes . 75%. 4-5 days, regional travel

Qualifications

Experience

Required

4 years: Demonstrated experience in performing environmental field monitoring. Consideration will be given to candidates that can specifically show E&S control monitoring or similar experience.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.