Environmental Planner/Scientist

Employment & Training Centers, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm in Houston is seeking an experienced environmental specialist to provide expertise in regulatory compliance processes and prepare NEPA documentation. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of related experience, a degree in environmental sciences or a related field, and strong analytical and communication skills. The role includes overseeing environmental studies, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating with technical teams. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of consulting or agency experience related to environmental studies.
• Experience with NEPA documentation for transportation or water resource projects.
• Practical knowledge of environmental regulations including Section 106 and Section 404.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and support NEPA documentation including Categorical Exclusions.
• Lead environmental technical studies and report preparations.
• Mentor and support junior staff.

Skills

Regulatory compliance expertise

Project management

Collaboration

Technical writing

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in regulatory compliance processes including NEPA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Section 106, and other federal, state, and local environmental regulations
• Prepare and support NEPA documentation including Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) in accordance with TxDOT and other agency standards
• Perform, oversee, and contribute to environmental technical studies and report preparation
• Serve as an environmental task lead, including scope development, budget tracking, and schedule management
• Support public involvement and agency coordination efforts
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary technical teams
• Provide mentorship and support to junior staff
• Assist with proposal development and business development efforts
• Stay current on regulatory updates and maintain working relationships with regulatory officials
• Represent the firm at client functions, trade shows, and professional conferences

Additional Responsibilities (Based on Technical Discipline)

Depending on background and expertise, responsibilities may also include:

• Conducting Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments, TxDOT ISAs, and related studies
• Leading or supporting water resources studies, wetland delineations, biological habitat assessments, and fieldwork activities
• Preparing GIS exhibits and graphics using ArcGIS and related software
• Performing traffic noise analyses consistent with FHWA and State DOT guidelines (TNM software proficiency preferred)
• Cultural resources work including archeological survey, monitoring, site evaluation, or historic resource assessments
• Historic preservation research and documentation consistent with Secretary of the Interior Standards
• Utilizing GPS and GIS-based data collection tools

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental sciences, biological sciences, transportation planning, anthropology, archeology, history, historic preservation, geography, GIS, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of related consulting or agency experience
• Experience preparing NEPA documentation for transportation and/or water resource projects
• Practical knowledge of environmental regulations including Section 106, Section 7, Section 404, Environmental Justice, and related requirements
• DOT experience preferred (TxDOT strongly preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ArcGIS
• Strong research, technical writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to coordinate effectively with project teams and clients
• Valid driver’s license required

Preferred Qualifications

• TxDOT Environmental Pre-Certifications (varies by discipline)
• Registered Professional Archeologist, Principal Investigator, or related certifications (for archeology-focused candidates)
• GISP or ESRI certifications (for GIS-focused candidates)
• Experience with Section 4(f) compliance
• Knowledge of Texas Antiquities Code and cultural resources regulations

Why Join?

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package including company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off; employee referral bonuses; and professional license incentives.