Project Scientist III

RK&K; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (home and office)

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, vision, life, and long

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs and employee groups

Matching 401(k)

Job summary

RK&K is seeking a Senior Project Scientist to support our Florida team across transportation, water resources, utilities, and site development projects. You will guide projects through Florida's regulatory environment, manage teams, coordinate with agencies, and engage clients.

The role requires leading NEPA efforts, preparing technical writes, and coordinating with USACE, FDEP, and other agencies to secure authorizations. Hybrid work arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Policy, Forestry, or related discipline.
• 8 years of technical and management experience in natural resources and environmental permitting.
• Strong knowledge of local, state and federal laws/regulations with demonstrated delivery experience.
• Experience in business development or marketing.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineering teams with regulatory guidance, permitting strategies, technical writing, proposal development, construction environmental compliance, and oversight/management of environmental tasks for a variety of projects.
• Coordinate with Water Management Districts, FDEP, USACE and other agencies to secure 401/404 permits.
• Assist staff with technical study documentation and agency coordination.
• Support NEPA compliance efforts, including natural resources evaluations and species habitat assessments.
• Coordinate multi-discipline tasks related to wetlands, species, mitigation, stormwater, and cultural resources.
• Manage task deliverables and perform QA/QC reviews.
• Present to clients and lead progress meetings with clients.

Skills

Regulatory guidance

Client coordination

Technical writing

Project leadership

ArcGIS

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

RK&K is currently seeking a Senior Project Scientist to support our Florida team. This position will work with a variety of projects including transportation infrastructure, water resources, utilities, and site development. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to guide projects through Florida's regulatory environment by managing current projects, leading project teams, and collaborating with regulatory agencies and clients.

Essential Function

• Assist engineering teams with regulatory guidance, permitting strategies, technical writing, proposal development, construction environmental compliance, and oversight/management of environmental tasks for a variety of projects
• Coordination with Water Management Districts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) on 401/404 permit applications, United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), United States Coast Guard (USCG), and other regulatory agencies to receive successful authorizations
• Assist staff with technical study documentation and associated agency coordination
• Assisting our National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff with NEPA compliance efforts. Technical writing assignments would include: natural resources evaluations, protected species habitat assessment and survey reports, and regulatory agency permitting applications
• Coordinate multi-discipline tasks related to wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species, wetland mitigation, stormwater management, Section 4(f)/recreational resources, air and noise, hazardous materials, and Section 106 Cultural Resources
• Manage task deliverables and complete QA/QC reviews and procedures
• Give presentations or complete interviews with clients
• Regularly coordinate with clients by means such as regular progress meetings
• Facilitates meetings and presentations with existing and potential clients.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Policy, Forestry, or related discipline
• 8 years of technical and management experience in natural resources and other environmental permitting
• Comprehensive knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations with demonstrated experience in environmental project delivery
• Business Development or Marketing Experience
• Infrastructure engineering/design and construction concepts
• Client-facing experience with clients such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), FDEP, USACE, USFWS, or Florida Power & Light (FPL)
• Municipal Projects
• Excellent verbal, technical writing, and computer skills, especially with Microsoft Office and ArcGIS
• Adept at research and problem-solving
• Detail oriented, energetic, and highly reliable with a strong work ethic
• Outstanding responsiveness to client and project needs
• Experience managing project tasks and teams
• Demonstrated ability to develop project approaches and lead successful projects
• Skilled in verbal and written communications

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 15 years of technical and management experience in natural resources and other environmental permitting
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Professional Engineer (PE), or similar credentials
• FWC Gopher Tortoise Mechanical Excavation Permit
• Graduate degree in related field a plus
• Experience or understanding of geographic information systems

Other Duties

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under ADA) expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities and duties required by the employee. Other duties are assigned as required.

What We Offer

RK&K offers excellent potential for career advancement and professional growth. We also offer attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid time off
• Hybrid work (home and office)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and employee resource groups
• Career Development
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Paid Holidays
• Much, much more!

Why RK&K?

As a full-service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award-winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes that are designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward.