Environmental Scientist

Tetra Tech, Inc. in; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merit-based financial rewards

Flexibility and work-life balance

Collaborative team environment

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Tetra Tech is seeking a mid-level Environmental Scientist to join our water resources team in Portland, Oregon. You will work with biologists, environmental planners, and engineers on aquatic habitat restoration, environmental assessments, permit applications, and NEPA documentation across the West Coast and Alaska.

The role offers hands-on fieldwork, GIS data analysis, and opportunities for professional growth; travel up to 15%, hybrid work at the Portland office, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental sciences, including NEPA, permitting, GIS, surveying, water quality, and wetland delineations.
• Experience with federal, state, and local environmental permitting regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and analyze environmental documentation under NEPA, SEPA, and CEQA processes.
• Prepare Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance documentation, including technical reports and field-based assessments.
• Conduct field surveys related to vegetation, wildlife habitat, and riverine features throughout the Pacific Northwest.
• Perform GIS mapping and data analysis to support project planning, environmental review, and reporting.
• Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with applicable methodologies and regulatory standards.
• Apply wetland and stream rapid assessment methodologies in California, Oregon, and Washington.
• Prepare and oversee the development of environmental permits, including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 permits.
• Support stream and wetland restoration planning and implementation activities.
• Perform task management and assist project management for complex environmental projects.
• Assist with business development efforts related to biological and environmental services.

Skills

Strong communication

Project management

Field investigations

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Biology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources Sciences, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS equipment

Job description

TetraTechis adding a Mid-level Environmental Scientist to our water resources environmental team based in Portland, OR.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges.Our industry-leading expertsin engineering and consultingare committed to driving positivechangein communities around the world.For60 years, wehavebeen at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.Today we stand as a market leader, offeringcutting-edgesolutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.Our work has improved more than625million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.Our workleveragescutting-edgetechnologies, advanced analytics, and theexpertiseof world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world.Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy .

Position Summary:

We're currently seeking an Environmental Scientist to join our team of biologists, environmental planners, and engineers who specialize in aquatic habitat restoration, biological studies, environmental assessments, permit applications, and NEPA documentation for projects throughout the West Coast and Alaska. Our team has worked on several exciting and impactful projects, including:

• Environmental review of an 800,000-acre-foot groundwater bank in California
• Wetland restoration on islands in the Columbia River
• Salton Sea Restoration Project
• Endangered Species Act / Marine Mammal Protection Act compliance for U.S. Coast Guard bases in Alaska and the west coast
• Wildlife monitoring on the Santa Ana River
• Permitting fish passage restoration projects in Washington

This position offers hands-on technical experience, exposure to diverse project types, and clear opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the firm.

Essential Job Functions:

The following duties are essential to this role. Reasonable accommodation will be madeto enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Prepare, review, and analyze environmental documentation under NEPA, SEPA, and CEQA processes.
• Prepare Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance documentation, including technical reports and field-based assessments.
• Conduct field surveys related to vegetation, wildlife habitat, and riverine features throughout the Pacific Northwest.
• Perform GIS mapping and data analysis to support project planning, environmental review, and reporting.
• Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with applicable methodologies and regulatory standards.
• Apply wetland and stream rapid assessment methodologies in California, Oregon, and Washington.
• Prepare and oversee the development of environmental permits, including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 permits.
• Support stream and wetland restoration planning and implementation activities.
• Perform task management and assist project management for complex environmental projects.
• Assist with business development efforts related to biological and environmental services.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology , Geography, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources Sciences, or a related field .
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental sciences, including NEPA, permitting, GIS, surveying, water quality, and wetland delineations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local plant , fish, and/or wildlife species and their habitat requirements.
• Proven ability to research and prepare reports on environmental disciplines, regulations, and policies, including NEPA, SEPA, and ESA documentation.
• Experience with federal, state, and local environmental permitting regulations and processes.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with regulatory agency staff, co-workers, management, clients, and the public.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver work products on time.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with GPS equipment and ArcGIS software.
• Valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel to project sites throughout the Western Coast of the United States, with work primarily performed within 1-2 hours of Portland, Oregon. This position may require up to 15% annual travel, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to perform fieldwork in rugged and/or muddy conditions for extended periods, including walking, standing, bending, and kneeling.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, wind, and cold.
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit at a workstation and use a computer for extended periods, up to 8 hours per day, with additional hours as needed.
• Manual dexterity to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other tools.
• Ability to read and interpret documents.
• Strong communication skills, both in person and electronically.

Additional Information :

• This position is based in ourPortland, OR office on a hybrid schedule.
• This position is scheduled for full-time work (40 hours/week) with a typical schedule of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.
• Additionalhours may berequiredbased on project needs (e.g., early start times and prolonged field efforts).
• Combination of office-based and outdoor field environments.

Theperksof working at Tetra Tech include:

• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment,and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Techis proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.Allqualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability,sex, marital or familial status,status as a protected veteran,orany other characteristic protectedbylaw.

Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We inviteapplicationsfrom all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.