Senior Environmental Planner / Scientist

Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave accrual & holidays

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) Retirement Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Parental and maternity leave

Job summary

Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP in Virginia is seeking a Senior Environmental Project Scientist / Planner with a strong technical background to lead environmental efforts for infrastructure projects. You will mentor staff, oversee project scopes, and coordinate with regulators, clients, and multidisciplinary teams from planning through construction.

The ideal candidate has 20+ years managing permitting, ecological assessments, and compliance, with certifications such as PWS/PWD/CWB and GIS

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience managing environmental permitting, natural resource, ecological assessment, and compliance projects.
• Experience with permitting strategy development, environmental reviews, and ecological resource studies.
• Ability to lead, mentor staff, and manage project scopes and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental discipline team and drive growth of the Environmental Practice in VA/mid-Atlantic.
• Develop permitting strategies and coordinate environmental reviews for multiple project types.
• Prepare technical reports, permit applications, and regulatory documentation; ensure QA/QC.

Skills

Project management

Client development

Regulatory coordination

Technical writing

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, Natural Resource Management, or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

At Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP, we are "People Focused and Project Driven". We have been in business for more than 110 years and we are known for our quality work and quality employees. This is your chance to join our team - help us to design the infrastructure and buildings that improve the world!

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Environmental Project Scientist / Planner with a strong technical background to join our growing team in Virginia. Candidates must have excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills and have the ability to manage projects and be highly responsive to client needs. Candidates shall also have experience with client growth and staff development. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and regulatory agencies, you will lead projects through federal and state environmental permitting processes while providing strategic guidance on natural resource and ecological issues. The ideal candidate is a seasoned environmental professional with expertise in wetland science, protected species, permitting, environmental compliance, and natural resource management who is ready to lead projects, mentor staff, and support the growth of WRA’s environmental practice. Experience or strong familiarity with regulatory processes and applications as they pertain to linear projects, including transportation, and GIS applications is preferred. This position is ideal for a professional who enjoys combining technical excellence with client development and market growth.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be an integral part of the WRA Environmental Discipline leadership team. The candidate will help grow our team of environmental professionals, providing oversight, mentorship, and staff management. As a Senior Environmental Project Scientist / Planner lead, the selected candidate will work collaboratively across disciplines to identify and support client growth, project pursuits, and lead environmental efforts for all projects, from planning through construction. In addition, working on a variety of infrastructure projects the selected candidate shall have a broad understanding of VA and federal environmental laws and regulations, which include but are not limited to the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead business development, marketing, and proposal pursuits to support continued growth of WRA’s Environmental Practice in Virginia and the mid Atlantic.
• Develop permitting strategies and coordinate environmental reviews for transportation, Building Design, Water / Wastewater, Marine, and Civil/Land Development projects.
• Prepare and review technical reports, permit applications, environmental documentation, and regulatory compliance materials.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews to ensure high-quality project delivery.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• 20+ years of experience managing environmental permitting, natural resource, ecological assessment, and compliance projects, including permitting strategy development, environmental reviews, and ecological resource studies. Significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the stated years of experience.
• Professional certification such as Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) and Virginia State Waters Delineator (VSWD)Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or Professional Engineer (PE).
• Preferred USFWS approved surveyor for one or more species.
• Preferred graduate degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Planning, or a related discipline.
• Experience coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and other applicable agencies.
• Experience mentoring, training, and managing staff.
• Ability to develop and manage scope, manhour and fee estimate, schedules.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally/written at all levels of the organization and with external parties.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with work shared across multiple offices.

WRA recognizes that employees play an important role in its success. Our commitment to full-time employees is reflected in the comprehensive benefits package we offer:

• Leave accrual and paid holidays
• Group Life Insurance, as well as additional optional life Insurance, short and long term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursement
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental and maternity leave benefits

WRA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.

The expected compensation range for this position is $160,000.00 - $240,000.00. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basiswithout the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. WRA will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity. (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)