Environmental Scientist

DesignForce; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave

Career development

Bonuses

Housing assistance

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

DesignForce is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join our growing environmental services team. You will manage permitting and environmental documentation from permitting through construction on diverse land development projects.

Join a collaborative group that values technical excellence, problem-solving, and thoughtful interpretation of regulations. This role offers a flexible hybrid schedule with one in-office day per week, along with competitive benefits and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in environmental consulting, land development, or environmental permitting.
• Strong written communication skills with ability to prepare technical reports and regulatory justifications.
• Experience preparing and submitting environmental permitting packages and working through the full regulatory review process.
• Familiarity with wetlands, streams, forest conservation, stormwater, or other natural resource permitting.
• PWS certification preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental permitting and compliance efforts for land development projects.
• Prepare and review environmental documentation including wetland delineations, forest conservation plans, jurisdictional determinations, permitting packages, and technical justifications.
• Coordinate with engineers, designers, regulatory agencies, and clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop solutions by interpreting regulations and applying technical judgment.
• Review CAD drawings and environmental plans for technical accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct field investigations including wetland delineations, vegetation assessments, soil observations, and environmental site evaluations.
• Support permitting efforts with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local jurisdictions.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to quality control across multiple projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Are you ready to take ownership of meaningful environmental projects and help shape the future of land development across DMV region? Our client is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join their growing environmental services team. This is an opportunity to work on technically challenging projects where your expertise, problem-solving abilities, and professional judgment will directly influence project success from permitting through construction.

Our client has built a strong reputation for solving complex environmental challenges through collaboration, technical excellence, and creative thinking. Their environmental team plays a critical role in nearly every land development project, partnering closely with engineers, regulatory agencies, and clients to navigate permitting requirements, environmental constraints, and evolving regulations. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, they value professionals who enjoy interpreting policy, finding practical solutions, and delivering high-quality work that keeps projects moving forward.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage environmental permitting and compliance efforts for a variety of land development projects.
• Prepare and review environmental documentation including wetland delineations, forest conservation plans, jurisdictional determinations, permitting packages, and technical justifications.
• Coordinate with engineers, designers, regulatory agencies, and clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop solutions for complex environmental challenges by interpreting regulations and applying sound technical judgment.
• Review CAD drawings and environmental plans to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct periodic field investigations including wetland delineations, vegetation assessments, soil observations, and environmental site evaluations.
• Support permitting efforts with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local jurisdictions.
• Mentor junior staff while contributing to quality control across multiple active projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Approximately 3–5 years of experience in environmental consulting, land development, or environmental permitting (strong candidates with slightly less experience will also be considered).
• Experience preparing and submitting environmental permitting packages and working through the full regulatory review process.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and experience reviewing or preparing environmental design plans.
• Familiarity with wetlands, streams, forest conservation, stormwater, or other natural resource permitting.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports and regulatory justifications.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification is preferred but not required.

Why Join:

• Play an integral role on projects where the environmental team influences every stage of development.
• Work alongside a collaborative, close-knit team that values technical excellence and thoughtful problem-solving.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid schedule with just one in-office day per week.
• Receive unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, professional development and credential support, performance-based bonuses, and housing assistance benefits.
• Join a firm with a strong backlog of exciting projects and opportunities for long-term career growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Our client is committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. They provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process.

DEI Statement:

Our client believes diverse perspectives lead to stronger solutions. They are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where collaboration, respect, and continuous learning allow every team member to thrive while delivering meaningful work that positively impacts the communities they serve.