Senior Environmental Scientist

KERAMIDA Inc.; Carnegie (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

KERAMIDA Inc. seeks a Senior Environmental Scientist to lead wetlands and stream delineations, permitting, and natural resource assessments, while mentoring junior staff and serving as a technical lead on multidisciplinary projects.

You will manage project scope, schedule, and client relationships, coordinate with agencies on 401/404 permits, and contribute to business development. Strong field and regulatory expertise, safety, and clear communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field; Master's preferred.
• 6–10 years of progressive experience in wetland delineation or environmental permitting.
• PWS certification or eligibility preferred.
• Experience leading Clean Water Act 401/404 permitting and agency coordination.
• Proficiency with GIS/GPS software and MS Office.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Strong written, verbal, and client-facing communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and team management ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead wetland and stream delineations per USACE/state methodologies.
• Serve as technical lead on complex or high-visibility environmental permitting projects.
• Review field data, delineation reports, and documentation by junior staff.
• Lead environmental site and habitat assessments, and species evaluations.
• Provide field oversight and mentorship to Environmental Scientists and field crews.
• Resolve technical discrepancies and elevate regulatory issues appropriately.
• Lead preparation and submission of permit applications under 401/404 programs.
• Represent KERAMIDA in agency meetings, site visits, and public hearings.

Skills

Leadership

Client communication

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

Trimble

MS Office

Job description

The Senior Environmental Scientist leads wetland and stream delineations, environmental permitting efforts, and natural resource assessments, while providing technical oversight and mentorship to junior staff. This role serves as a technical lead and client-facing point of contact on multidisciplinary environmental projects, managing project scope, schedule, and quality while supporting business development and agency relationships.

This role requires deep technical expertise, sound regulatory judgment, leadership capability, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Field Oversight

• Lead and oversee wetland and stream delineations, ensuring compliance with USACE and applicable state methodologies
• Serve as technical lead on complex or high-visibility environmental permitting projects
• Review and approve field data, delineation reports, and technical documentation prepared by junior staff
• Lead environmental site assessments, habitat assessments, and threatened & endangered species evaluations
• Provide field oversight, training, and mentorship to Environmental Scientists and field crews
• Resolve technical discrepancies and elevate complex regulatory issues appropriately

Regulatory & Agency Coordination

• Lead preparation and submission of permit applications under Section 401/404 of the Clean Water Act and other applicable regulations
• Serve as primary point of contact with regulatory agencies (USACE, EPA, state environmental agencies) on assigned projects
• Interpret and apply evolving federal, state, and local environmental regulations to project strategy
• Represent KERAMIDA in agency meetings, site visits, and public hearings as needed

Project & Client Management

• Manage project scope, budget, schedule, and deliverable quality for assigned projects
• Serve as a primary client contact, building and maintaining long-term client relationships
• Support proposal development and business development efforts, including scoping and fee estimation
• Mentor and develop junior staff, supporting their technical growth and career development
• Complete timely and accurate time and expense reporting, and support project financial management

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 6-10 years of progressive experience in wetland delineation, environmental permitting, or natural resource consulting
• Demonstrated experience leading Clean Water Act Section 401/404 permitting and agency coordination
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification or eligibility preferred
• Proven experience managing project scope, budget, and staff
• Proficiency with GIS/GPS software (e.g., ArcGIS, Trimble) and Microsoft Office
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Strong written, verbal, and client-facing communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and team management ability

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to work outdoors in varying and extreme weather conditions
• Ability to navigate rough terrain, wetlands, and remote or undeveloped sites
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 40 pounds
• Combination of fieldwork, client-facing engagement, and office-based project management