Environmental Scientist | Wetlands, Permitting, and NEPA

The Davey Tree Expert Company; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Health plan

Career development

Job summary

Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc., a Davey company, seeks a mid-level Environmental Scientist in Virginia Beach to lead regulatory authorizations and NEPA document work. You will prepare permit applications for DEQ/COE, coordinate with clients and agencies, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting.

The role requires 3–5 years of relevant experience, strong writing skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Environmental Science, Planning, Policy, Forestry, Geology, or related field.
• Experience preparing permit applications and NEPA documents.
• Ability to conduct Phase I/II ESAs and coordinate with agencies.

Responsibilities

• Balance office and field work (≈50% each) with possible overnight travel.
• Prepare technical reports, mapping, permits, and supporting docs.
• Coordinate with clients, agencies, and internal teams on projects.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with limited supervision.

Skills

Regulatory liaison

Technical writing

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

GIS

AutoCAD

GPS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company: Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc.

Locations: Virginia Beach, VA

Additional Locations: N/A

Work Site: On Site

Position Overview

Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc., a Davey company, has an opening for a mid-level Environmental Scientist specializing in Wetlands, Permitting, and NEPA to join our Virginia Beach, Virginia team. This position serves as liaison between regulatory agencies and clients for regulatory authorizations with a heavy emphasis on technical writing, permit application, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document preparation.

Elements of research into current state and federal regulations and project design needs, are a standard practice of this role. Ideal candidate will have a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience preparing permit applications for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and NEPA document writing, as well as project management experience.

Job Duties

The successful candidate will have demonstrated success working with a diverse client base in both public and private sectors, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. This position offers a balanced mix of office and field responsibilities, with approximately 50% office work and 50% field work. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced consulting environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and collaborating with clients, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary project teams. Some projects may require overnight regional travel.

• Conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.
• Performing wetland delineations, stream assessments, and Chesapeake Bay Preservation studies and approvals.
• Conducting field investigations and collecting environmental data.
• Preparing technical reports, mapping, permit applications, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinating with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal project teams.
• Participating in industry organizations and professional development activities.
• Providing inter-department coordination and communication within WSSI.
• Assisting other departments with environmental projects as needed.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines under limited supervision.
• Performing approximately 50% office work and 50% field work, with some projects requiring overnight regional travel.

Salary Range: $60,000–$70,000+/- per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the position.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include, but are not limited to:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, Forestry, Geology, or a related field.
• Field experience and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Working knowledge of environmental regulations pertaining to the
• 401/404 Clean Water Act, Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Permit Program, Virginia Tidal Wetlands Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, and applicable local environmental ordinances.
• Working knowledge of ASTM standards for Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.
• Working knowledge of RCRA, CERCLA, and applicable Virginia environmental regulations.
• Experience with digital mapping software such as GIS, AutoCAD, or similar platforms, and proficiency using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).
• Experience with NEPA concerning Virginia's Locally Administered Projects Program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and/or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is advantageous.
• Experience with hazardous materials investigations, fisheries, air and noise regulations, grant writing, and planning related to coastal resiliency is a plus.
• Knowledge of land development practices is beneficial.

Additional Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; candidate should demonstrate the ability to prepare documents that are technically and grammatically correct and fully referenced and must be able to communicate clearly with staff and clients.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment and objects up to fifty (50) pounds and perform fieldwork in adverse weather conditions.

What We Offer:

• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• All job specific equipment and safety gear provided.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.
• Employee-owned company and discounted stock purchase options.
• Group Health Plan.
• Employee Referral Bonus Program: Send-A-Friend.
• Locations throughout the United States in major cities and desirable areas.
• Career Development Program supported by industry expert safety specialists and skilled trainers.
• The Davey Tree Family Scholarship for children of employees.
• Charitable matching gift program.
• All listed benefits available to eligible employees.

Company Overview

DAVEY RESOURCE GROUP, a division of The Davey Tree Expert Company, is a leader in the natural resource, environmental, and forestry consulting industries throughout the United States.

Divisional Overview

The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.

Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc., a Davey company, provides a full range of natural and cultural resource consulting services and is based in Gainesville, Virginia.

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada.

We care about our clients, each other and the world around us.

We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one.

We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels.

Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.

Accommodations:

If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Employment Type: Permanent

Job Type: Full Time

Travel Expectations: Up to 25%