Environmental Specialist 3

GAI Consultants Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

GAI Consultants Inc. is seeking an Environmental Specialist 3 to provide advanced leadership in siting, permitting, and environmental studies for electric transmission projects in North Carolina.

The role covers project budgets, schedules, staff supervision, client and agency coordination, proposal work, and quality control, with travel up to monthly and a strong emphasis on mentoring and safety.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience related to the outlined duties.
• Strong technical writing ability.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently or in a team within a multi-disciplinary group.

Responsibilities

• Lead electric transmission siting investigations and preparation of regulatory documentation.
• Prepare permit applications and environmental reports/consultations.
• Manage budgets, scopes, schedules, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies; mentor staff.

Skills

Project leadership

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Environmental permitting

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences

Job description

Description

GAI Consultants is seeking an Environmental Specialist 3 to provide advanced experience and team leadership in project siting, environmental studies and related environmental permitting and consultations. The successful candidate's primary responsibility will be to provide project and task leadership for siting, permitting, and documentation efforts relating to electric transmission projects in North Carolina. The Environmental Specialist 3 will also be responsible for project budget and schedule management, staff management, coordination with clients and regulatory agencies, proposal preparation and cost estimating, and quality control reviews.

Job Duties:

• Support and/or lead electric transmission line siting investigation tasks and prepare siting documentation for regulatory review.
• Support and/or lead environmental resource investigation tasks and prepare permit applications and associated environmental reports/consultations.
• Permitting experience in North Carolina is essential.
• Manage budgets, scopes, and schedules and quality of deliverables for specific tasks or overall projects.
• Lead coordination with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Manage technical investigations including, but not limited to, wetland and stream delineations, endangered species surveys, environmental inspections, and compliance monitoring.
• Support business development activities with new and existing clients.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates.
• Supervision of technical staff and provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring.
• Must be able to travel, including overnight trips. Travel is estimated to occur monthly but may vary. Travel to clients, projects, and meetings in the mid-Atlantic (up to 10%).
• Lead implementation and compliance with safety protocols and procedures.

Experience/Skills Required

• 8+ years of experience directly related to the outlined Essential Job Duties.
• Demonstrates strong technical writing ability.
• Practices strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Maintains a steady ability to work both independently or as part of a team.
• Capable of functioning well within a multi-disciplinary work team.

Travel Required

• Work is expected to be approximately 90% office-based work with occasional travel (day trips and overnight) to Project locations, Client offices, and assorted locations for Project related meetings. Must be willing to work flexible hours and overtime.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in-person meetings.
• Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10-20 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
• Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes.

General Characteristics

• Demonstrates critical thinking skills, works on small projects or portions of larger projects; assist Task Managers with aspectsof projects; proactively implements Quality Management System (QMS) forproject deliverables.
• If assigned as direct supervisor, skilled at mentoring; Decision making and conflict resolution; Delegate tasks effectively; Demonstrate responsibility and leadership skills; role model for others to follow.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 8+ Years Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences orsimilar field of study

Certification/Licensure

• Driver's License required

Technical Responsibilities

• Leads 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; extensive knowledge of wetland delineations; wetland restoration and wetland design; ecological field surveys; endangered species surveys (understand the requirements of the endangered species act, understand when and how to consult with these agencies, and have working knowledge of the species within the area we work), and duties as required; May become specialized within a specific discipline; receives technical training for career enhancement.
• If assigned as direct supervisor manage and lead employees; Mentor and motivate; Communicate (including listening); Be available to employees; regular performance feedback; Enforce GAI policy and disseminate internal announcements; Foster teamwork and provide regular overall feedback to staff members.

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

• Assigning and overseeing tasks under the direct supervision ofthe task manager and maintaining budgets and schedules; keeping very close communication with Task Managers; assisting Project Managers or Task Manager withproposal preparation; scopes of work and project component cost estimates.
• Guidance and oversight from Task Managers and Project Managers.
• If assigned as a direct supervisor receives guidance and oversight from Business Managers and/or experts in specific environmental areas.

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.
• If assigned as direct supervisor, communication (focusing on listening) skills; interacts with employees and various managerial staff regarding employee performance, hiring, coordination with HR on performance issues of staff, merit increases, etc.; Keep employees informed of company news and policy changes.

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

• Market based, competitive compensation
• Performance driven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• An additional floating holiday-use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement

Education

Bachelors of Environmental and Earth Science (required)

Licenses & Certifications

Driver's License (required)

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.