Project Environmental Specialist 1

GAI Consultants Inc.; Glen Allen (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-based compensation

Health, dental, and vision plans

Generous paid time off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm in Virginia is seeking a Senior Project Environmental Specialist with over 10 years of experience in environmental studies. The role includes task leadership for permitting and documentation efforts related to electric transmission projects. Responsibilities include coordinating with clients, preparing proposals, and leading field surveys. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences or a related field and strong technical skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in environmental studies and permitting.
• Experience with state and federal regulatory permit applications.
• Technical expertise in environmental or socioeconomic fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead siting investigation tasks and prepare documentation.
• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Travel for project needs and client meetings.

Skills

Environmental studies experience

Team leadership

Technical writing

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences or similar

Job description

Overview

GAI Consultants is seeking an individual with 10+ years of experience to provide advanced experience and team leadership in environmental studies and permitting and/or siting studies. The Senior Project Environmental Specialist's primary work responsibility will be to provide task leadership for siting, permitting, and documentation efforts relating to environmental resources for electric transmission projects. This position will work under the direction of a Project Manager. The Project Environmental Specialist 1 will also be responsible for coordination with clients and regulatory agencies, proposal preparation and cost estimating, and quality control reviews.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead transmission line siting investigation tasks and prepare siting documentation for regulatory review.
• Lead environmental resource investigation tasks and prepare permit applications and associated environmental reports.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate environmental field surveys including but not limited to wetland and stream delineations, endangered species surveys, environmental inspections, and compliance monitoring.
• Strong technical writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• 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 and Midwest (up to 20%).
• Provide status and progress reports to customers, project teams, and management.
• Coordinate implementation and compliance with safety protocols and procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience in siting and/or environmental studies and permitting.
• Experience in preparing siting documentation for state or federal regulatory agencies preferred.
• Experience in preparing Section 404/401 and Section 10 permit applications. Experience with state permitting requirements (including waterbody, floodplain, and SWPPP permits) in OH, WV, VA, KY, TN, MD, NJ, or PA.
• Technical expertise and experience in an environmental or socioeconomic field.

Preferred

• Experience in wetland delineation, function and value assessment, mitigation design, endangered species surveys, and/or GIS applications is a plus.
• Experience conducting ORAM, HHEI/QHEI and/or Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional evaluations is a plus.

General Characteristics

• Begins assisting Task Managers and Project Manager as needed on technical aspects of the project; well-rounded in aspects of consulting and the industry.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 10+ Years of Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences or similar field of study

Certification/Licensure

• Driver's License required

Technical Responsibilities

• Begins to learn specialized knowledge in the environmental sciences gained through advanced degree or extensive experience in the field: Oversight of task managers; Coordination of project tasks; Reviews project documents; Carries out complex assignments requiring current techniques or procedures; Agency and subconsultant interface; Focus on data analysis, interpretation, and review; Serves as a peer advisor with regards to area of specialization; mentors junior staff.

Project and Task Management

• Begins to perform task management.

Management Responsibility

• Begins to assist with the supervision of technical studies within assigned tasks; Can serve as task manager on small to medium tasks requiring specialized technical expertise; Maintains GAI's procedures and protocols; Assists with identifying and scoping technical studies required for projects.
• Guidance and oversight from Project Managers and task managers in specific environmental areas.

Communication Skills

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills; interacts well with other staff; interacts with Project and Task Managers and various Department Managerial Staff, interacts with clients on technical issues at regular project meetings.

Why GAI?

GAI offers skilled professionals an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Benefit from flexible work locations and scheduling, comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and a collaborative team focused on serving communities. Join GAI and contribute to a company poised for growth.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include

• Competitive Pay & Recognition: Market based compensation; performance-driven recognition and development bonuses.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision plans; company-paid disability and life insurance; Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Meaningful Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off; 7 paid holidays; an additional floating holiday; paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Growth, Learning & Financial Security: 401(k) with company match; tuition reimbursement; support for professional development and certifications.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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