Senior Environmental Scientist

GHD; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consulting firm based in the United States is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist. This role entails supporting environmental consulting activities, managing client relationships, and overseeing projects. The ideal candidate possesses at least 10 years of experience in environmental consulting and holds relevant degrees in environmental fields. A diverse work environment is offered with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in environmental consulting including permitting and compliance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support environmental consulting activities and data analysis.
• Coordinate environmental impact assessments.
• Manage client relationships and oversee projects.

Skills

Data Collection and Analysis

Health, Safety, and Environment Management

Client Management

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or related field

PE or PG certification

Job description

Description

There’s no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we’re committed to helping you do exactly that.

Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.

Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.

Who are we looking for?

Our Central Environmental business is looking for a Senior Environmental Scientist to join their team, based out of Des Moines, IA.

This role is responsible for supporting a wide range of environmental consulting activities, including collecting and analyzing data to identify key trends, coordinating environmental impact assessments, and overseeing environmental risk management efforts. You’ll monitor HSE performance, support compliance improvements, and contribute to climate adaptation strategies across diverse projects. The position also involves managing client relationships, preparing reports and proposals, documenting process improvements, and delivering small‑to‑medium‑scale projects. Ongoing professional development, knowledge‑sharing within communities of practice, and staying current with industry standards are essential to success in this role.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:

• Data Collection and Analysis: Conduct research using primary data sources, and select information needed for the analysis of key themes and trends.
• Health, Safety, and Environment: Monitor and review performance against health, safety, and environment (HSE) key performance indicators (KPIs) and patterns of behavior within the area of responsibility. Take action to improve performance and to resolve noncompliance with the organization's HSE policies, procedures, and mandatory instructions.
• Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an in‑depth understanding of technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
• Client & Customer Management (External): Manage important client relationships with guidance from senior colleagues, or oversee relationship management with a group of more transactional clients and customers.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Coordinate and deliver environmental impact assessment projects, maintaining accuracy and adherence to project timelines.
• Solutions Analysis: Analyze specific problems and issues to find the best solutions. Solutions could be technical or professional in nature.
• Project Management: Deliver small‑or‑medium‑scale projects while working within an established program management plan.
• Insights and Reporting: Prepare and coordinate the completion of various data and analytics reports.
• Analysis of "As Is" and "To Be": Document "as is" and "to be" processes and describe the changes required to migrate to the "to be" capability to record accurately the change required.
• Environmental Risk Management: Oversee the environmental risk management processes, ensuring the organization's operations have minimal detrimental impact on the environment.
• Request for Bid Solicitation/Proposal/Tender Response: Gather information and resources, draft and complete proposals, and fulfill all process requirements (in terms of deadlines, documentation, etc.) in response to bid solicitations, request for proposal, and request for tender to create the best chance of being awarded the contract.
• Climate Adaptation Strategy: Lead the development and execution of climate adaptation strategies for multiple large‑scale projects or geographic locations, focusing on sustainability and resilience.
• Community of Practice Management: Participate in and contribute to a community of practice in a defined area of expertise or consulting to build own capability and develop innovative practice among colleagues.

Education

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science or related field
• PE or PG will be highly regarded

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in environmental consulting including environmental permitting & compliance, remediation & design, site assessments, report writing, data management & interpretation, project coordination, and managing clients
• Experience in coordinating and simultaneously managing multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail in a consulting environment is preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work both within a team and independently
• Ability work in a fast‑paced environment
• OSHA 40‑hour HAZWOPER certification a plus
• Ability and willingness to travel client meetings is required

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.