Environmental Specialist 1

GAI Consultants, Inc.; Homestead (Allegheny County); Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking an Environmental Specialist to perform field compliance monitoring on various projects. This fully remote role, based out of Canton, OH or Pittsburgh, PA, requires travel to project sites. Candidates should have a background in environmental science and strong communication skills. A valid driver's license is required, and the ideal candidate will have experience in environmental compliance and reporting.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must have 2-4 years of experience in field monitoring.
• Ability to travel 75% of the time to various project sites.

Responsibilities

• Perform field monitoring of erosion and sediment controls.
• Prepare and review periodic monitoring reports.
• Assist in environmental report preparation and permit applications.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Field monitoring experience

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Ability to utilize GPS devices

Technical writing ability

Education

Associates degree in environmental science

Bachelor’s degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

AutoCAD

GIS (ArcGIS)

Job description

Systems Planning Corporation (SPC), a subsidiary of GAI Consultants, Inc., is seeking an Environmental Specialist with experience in Field Compliance Monitoring. The position is based out of Canton, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, or near one of GAI’s western PA offices within our Civil and Environmental Engineering Business Unit. This fully remote role requires travel to various project sites and offers a dynamic, fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform field monitoring of erosion and sediment (E&S) controls on various types of construction projects (linear and site‑based) while working independently.
• Review and understand specifications, permits, and permit conditions as well as E&S control and stormwater plans associated with both site and linear construction projects.
• Prepare and review periodic monitoring reports based upon field observations; reports may be submitted via paper or electronically as required.
• Assist with the preparation of environmental reports, permit applications, and closeout requests such as wetland and stream delineation reports, erosion and sediment control plans, and sound studies.
• Agree and adhere to the Health and Safety requirements of GAI Consultants and GAI’s clients.
• Maintain QA/QC standards and adhere to the Quality Management System procedures of GAI Consultants and the quality procedures of GAI’s clients.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and technical writing ability.
• Minimum of an Associates (A.S.) degree from an accredited college with an engineering/environmental/science focus.
• Two to four years of demonstrated experience in field monitoring; specifically E&S control monitoring or similar experience.
• Ability to utilize electronic location devices such as a GPS or GPS‑enabled device to collect data tied to a project location.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, and SQL, capable of completing reports, databases, and forms through both desktop and online programs.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to pass required screening to drive a GAI vehicle.
• Must be flexible; travel expected as part of this position.
• Ability to drive distances of potentially 4–6+ hours round trip and occasionally stay overnight out of town.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing Environmental Due Diligence (Phase I ESAs) site assessments.
• Knowledge of NPDES regulations and permitting, and familiarity with environmental agency E&S control guidelines and BMP designs, construction, and maintenance.
• Comprehension of E&S control BMP concepts, designs, and maintenance requirements.
• Past experience working with an environmental review agency (state or local conservation district) either for the agency or as a consultant or owner.
• Experience in SWPPP, NPDES Permit Application and/or Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Plan Development.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or GIS (ArcGIS).
• Experience in environmental compliance such as air compliance and/or spill response planning.
• Knowledge of Section 401/404 permitting, stream and wetland surveys, delineation techniques, and similar sensitive resources permitting.

Travel

• 75% of travel to project sites, including overnight stays.

Physical Demands And/Other Job Information

• Ability to walk moderate distances through unimproved terrain, utility rights‑of‑way, and remote areas.
• Fieldwork conducted in variable weather and environmental conditions, often requiring long or irregular hours.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to safely perform job duties in these conditions.
• Ability to hear and visualize potential hazards during fieldwork or site visits.

Education

Associate’s degree in environmental science, earth science, or a related field is required; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.