Environmental Scientist/Regulatory Specialist

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading engineering and environmental firm as an Environmental Scientist/Regulatory Specialist in Richmond, VA. Support infrastructure projects through NEPA compliance and permit preparation, while working with multidisciplinary teams in a culture that values growth and innovation.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive culture

Opportunities for career growth

Best-in-class benefits

Flexible, hybrid workplace

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in a relevant field preferred.
• 3-5+ years of experience in environmental permitting or regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of Virginia's regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to NEPA compliance efforts and document preparation.
• Assist with regulatory permitting for coastal development projects.
• Prepare environmental documentation for submission to agencies.

Skills

Familiarity with environmental regulations

Communication skills

Task management

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

GIS experience

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Coastal Science, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Oceanography

Job description

Overview

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB is seeking an Environmental Scientist/Regulatory Specialist to join our growing team in Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, or Richmond, VA. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career professional to support a variety of infrastructure projects through permitting, environmental assessments, and collaborative design including coastal and waterfront projects. This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both the technical and regulatory aspects of environmental work and to grow within a supportive, multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) compliance efforts, including preparation of Environmental Assessments (EAs), Categorical Exclusions (CEs), and coordination with federal agencies
• Assist with regulatory permitting efforts for coastal development projects.
• Prepare environmental documentation and permit support materials for submission to local, state, and federal agencies
• Support public and private sector clients in navigating the regulatory process
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (engineering, planning, transportation) throughout the project lifecycle
• Conduct or assist in technical analyses and summarize findings in clear written reports

Skills and Attributes

• Familiarity with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, especially those related to coastal and waterfront development (e.g., USACE Section 10/404, VMRC, DEQ)
• Exposure to NEPA review and documentation, including understanding of scoping, agency coordination, and public engagement processes
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
• Enthusiastic, team-oriented, and organized
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; GIS experience a plus
• Hands-on NEPA experience such as drafting or reviewing Environmental Assessments or supporting NEPA compliance for coastal or marine infrastructure a plus

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Coastal Science, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Oceanography, or a related field (M.S. preferred)
• 3–5+ years of experience in environmental permitting or regulatory compliance; coastal focus preferred
• Working knowledge of Virginia environmental and coastal regulatory frameworks and permitting processes a plus
• Experience with agencies such as USACE, NOAA, FEMA, DEQ, or VMRC is a plus

We are VHB!We’re an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We’re growing, and we hope you’ll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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