Environmental Specialist 1

Gai-Consultants; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

GAI Consultants is seeking an Environmental Specialist to support field compliance monitoring from its Ohio base with remote options. The role emphasizes erosion and sediment control, reporting, and regulatory guidance across multiple project sites in the Upper Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic regions.

The candidate will lead field activities, review plans, and prepare reports with minimal supervision while coordinating with project teams and ensuring safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate degree with engineering/environmental/science focus.
• Four years of environmental field monitoring experience.
• Knowledge of E&S control BMP concepts, designs and maintenance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Office applications; familiarity with Access/SQL.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel for projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform field monitoring of erosion and sediment controls on projects independently.
• Review permit specs and E&S plans; prepare periodic monitoring reports.
• Assist with environmental reports, permit applications and closeout documents.
• Maintain QA/QC standards and safety compliance.
• Lead field studies and data collection with team support.

Skills

E&S control monitoring

Field monitoring

Written & verbal communication

MS Word / Excel / Office

GPS data collection

Driver's license

Teamwork & collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Associates degree (engineering/environmental/science)

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences or similar

Tools

MS Access / SQL

AutoCAD

ArcGIS / GIS

MS Word / Excel

Job description

GAI Consultants is seeking an Environmental Specialist with experience in performing conducting field compliance monitoring to be based out of our Columbus, OH / Canton, OH / Cincinnati, OH office, within our Power & Energy Business Unit.

This position is remote and will require technical analysis and writing as well as some travel to various project sites regional to the Upper Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic Regions. Applicants should enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment. This position will afford an excellent opportunity for the individual to expand their experience and knowledge base in federal and state environmental regulations and methodologies primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, and Indiana.

The successful candidate will serve as a field lead to perform, with minimal supervision, various assignments including, but not limited to those listed below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performing field monitoring of erosion and sediment (E&S) controls on various types of construction Projects (linear and site-based) while working independently.
• Reviewing and understanding specifications, permits, and permit conditions as well as E&S control and stormwater plans associated with both site and linear construction Projects.
• Preparing and reviewing periodic monitoring reports based upon field observations. Reports may be submitted via paper report or electronically as required.
• Assisting 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.
• Agreeing and adhering to the Health and Safety requirements of GAI Consultants and GAI’s clients.
• Maintaining QA/QC standards and adhering to the Quality Management System procedures of GAI Consultants and the quality procedures of GAI’s clients.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of an Associates (A.S.) degree from an accredited college with an engineering/environmental/science focus.
• Four years of demonstrated experience in performing environmental field monitoring. Consideration will be given to candidates that can specifically show E&S control monitoring or similar experience.
• Comprehension of E&S control BMP concepts, designs, and maintenance requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and technical writing ability.
• Ability to utilize electronic location devices such as a GPS or a GPS enabled device to collect data tied to a Project location.
• Candidate must be proficient in using Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel, and MS Office applications and be familiar with report, database, and form completion through both MS Word applications (e.g., Access, SQL) and online programs.
• A valid driver’s license along with ability to pass required screening to drive a GAI vehicle.
• Must be flexible. Travel will be expected as part of this position.
• Regional travel for various construction projects (2-5 hours round trip). 4-5 days/week, year-round. Office time will be available.

Preferred: (Not required, but candidates that demonstrate these qualifications will be given preference)

• Knowledge of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations and permitting and familiarity with environmental agency E&S control guidelines and best management practice (BMP) designs, construction, and maintenance. Consideration will be given to candidates that can demonstrate experience
• Past experience working with an environmental review agency (e.g. state or local conservation district) either for the agency or with the agency as a consultant or owner.
• Experience in SWPPP, NPDES Permit Application and/or Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Plan Development.
• Basic knowledge of Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and/or hazardous waste due diligence investigations
• Experience with waste management (i.e., waste identification/evaluation/verification, sampling, storage, and disposal).
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or GIS (ArcGIS).
• Experience in environmental compliance such as air compliance and/or spill response planning a plus.
• Knowledge of Section 401/404 permitting, stream and wetland surveys, delineation techniques, and permitting.
• Certifications: Qualified Environmental Inspector (PA), Responsible Person for Erosion and Sediment Control (MD), Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI).
• Trainings: ASTM Phase I ESA, RCRA, HAZWOPER, OSHA.

Travel:

• 75% of work day with travel to various project sites. Potential overnight stays.

Physical Demands and/or Other Job Information:

• Ability to walk moderate distances through unimproved terrain, utility rights-of-way, in remote areas, etc.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to hear and visualize potential hazards during fieldwork or site visit situations.
• GAI Consultants prides itself on the quality of its employees and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a drug screening.

Technical Responsibilities

• Working towards leading field studies and data collection; Generates well written, technically sound documents with little assistance from senior staff and requiring minor edits; Agency interface; Data analysis and interpretation; Acquires ability to research Federal, State, and local applicable environmental regulations and guidance and applies them to project specifics, understand when and how to consult with agencies, and duties as required; May become specialized within a specific discipline; receives technical training for career enhancement.

Project and Task Management

• Works as a part of a team and coordinates work with others.
• Assists in determining schedule and budget requirements.

Management Responsibility

• No managerial responsibilities at this level.

Communication Skills

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills; interacts well with other staffs; interact with clients with close oversight, interacts closely with Project Managers and various Department Managerial Staff, performs well with client communications.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences orsimilar field of studypreferred
• Minimum of an Associates (A.S.) degree from an accredited college with an engineering/environmental/science focus.

Why GAI?

GAI offers an exceptional place to do meaningful work, grow your career, and make a real impact in communities nationwide. You’ll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm bringing together engineering, planning, and environmental expertise to deliver projects across transportation, infrastructure, power, and energy markets. Working alongside accomplished colleagues, you’ll help move projects from vision through construction, creating solutions that keep people moving, power essential systems, and support responsible development.

At GAI, you’ll work in a team-driven environment grounded in integrity, respect, and shared success, with the flexibility, resources, and career support that reflect a real and lasting commitment to our people. That commitment includes comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts. With opportunities across the U.S., GAI offers the collaboration and client focus of regional teams, supported by the stability, resources, and career-development opportunities of an established and growing firm.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• Anadditionalfloating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

Qualifications

Experience

Required

4 years:

Demonstrated experience in performing environmental field monitoring. Consideration will be given to candidates that can specifically show E&S control monitoring or similar experience.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.