Project Environmental Specialist 1

GAI Consultants Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Company paid short-term and long-term

Company paid life insurance

Paid holidays and paid time off

Job summary

GAI Consultants is seeking a Senior Project Environmental Specialist with 10+ years of experience to lead siting, permitting, and documentation for electric transmission projects. You will coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies, prepare proposals, estimate costs, and conduct quality control reviews.

Under a Project Manager, you will manage environmental field surveys, prepare technical reports, and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in siting and/or environmental studies and permitting.
• Experience preparing siting documentation for state or federal regulatory agencies.
• Experience with Section 404/401 and Section 10 permit applications; knowledge of state permitting requirements in OH, WV, VA, KY, TN, MD, NJ, or PA.
• Technical expertise in environmental or socioeconomic fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead transmission line siting investigations and prepare regulatory siting documentation.
• Lead environmental resource investigations and prepare permit applications and reports.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee environmental field surveys including wetlands, endangered species, and inspections.
• Provide strong technical writing and mentorship to staff.
• Travel as needed, up to 20% annually.

Skills

Team leadership

Environmental permitting

Siting studies

Technical writing

Client coordination

Regulatory coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences

Job description

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 responsibility is to lead siting, permitting, and documentation efforts related to environmental resources for electric transmission projects. This position will work under the direction of a Project Manager and will coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies, prepare proposals, estimate costs, and conduct 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 wetland and stream delineations, endangered species surveys, environmental inspections, and compliance monitoring.
• Provide strong technical writing ability.
• Show strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Work independently or as part of a team.
• Travel as needed, including overnight trips. Travel is estimated to occur monthly, may vary, up to 20% in the mid‑Atlantic and Midwest.
• 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 preparing siting documentation for state or federal regulatory agencies preferred.
• Experience preparing Section 404/401 and Section 10 permit applications; familiarity with state permitting requirements 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.
• Experience conducting ORAM, HHEI/QHEI, and/or Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional evaluations.

General Characteristics

• Assists Task Managers and Project Manager on technical aspects of the project; broad understanding of consulting and 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

• Begin to learn specialized knowledge in the environmental sciences gained through advanced degree or extensive experience; oversee task managers, coordinate project tasks, review project documents, and conduct complex assignments requiring current industry techniques.
• Interface with agencies and subconsultants; focus on data analysis, interpretation, and review; serve as a peer advisor in area of specialization; mentor junior staff.

Project and Task Management

• Begin to perform task management.

Management Responsibility

• Assist with supervising technical studies within assigned tasks; serve as a task manager on small to medium tasks requiring specialized technical expertise; maintain company procedures and protocols; identify and scope technical studies required for projects.
• Receive guidance and oversight from Project Managers and task managers in specific environmental areas.

Communication Skills

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills; interact well with staff, Project and Task Managers, and clients at regular project meetings.

Why GAI?

GAI offers skilled professionals an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues on challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility, comprehensive personalized benefits, employee wellness programs, and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

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 you can use for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

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.