Senior Environmental Scientist - NPDES Permitting (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist to lead water quality studies and NPDES permitting efforts. This role involves overseeing compliance for diverse projects, including petrochemical plants and renewable fuels. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in environmental regulations, particularly the Clean Water Act, and will play a crucial role in mentoring junior staff and developing effective environmental strategies. Join a forward-thinking company that values safety, integrity, and client satisfaction, and make a significant impact in the environmental services sector.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in environmental science or related field.
• Strong understanding of Clean Water Act and NPDES regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPDES permitting and water quality studies for various projects.
• Coordinate project planning and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Toxicology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Description

The Senior Environmental Scientist will lead, oversee, and conduct NPDES permitting, water quality studies, environmental assessments, and compliance efforts for various types of projects including petrochemical plants, power generation, renewable fuels, industrial sites, and water treatment facilities. While a strong understanding of the Clean Water Act, NPDES specific regulations, and the regulating agency processes in Texas are required, awareness and knowledge of other Gulf Coast Regional areas would benefit the position. This position supports the growth of the Environmental Services Global Practice based upon Burns & McDonnell's core values of safety, client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, and overall outstanding service.

Additional responsibilities include planning and coordinating activities for the water quality components of projects from concept through completion, such as but not limited to site-specific limit studies and antidegradation analyses. Successful candidates are also responsible for initiating or assisting in proposal development, contract negotiations, coordinating project planning and mentoring junior staff. Project planning tasks include scope of services development, budgeting, maintaining schedules, client and peer communications, managing deadlines and establishing and performing critical project objectives.

Assigned tasks may include the following:

• Apply environmental regulatory knowledge and experience to develop effective strategies and solutions to address current and future technical and regulatory issues on projects.
• Evaluate wastewater and stormwater discharges associated with industrial projects in the early stages of development to provide permitting approach and operational compliance strategies.
• Conduct due diligence, regulatory audits, and evaluate potential sites for environmental/regulatory challenges that may be critical to project development.
• Lead and oversee development of NPDES permit applications and associated studies including reasonable potential analysis, antidegradation analysis, 316(b) assessments, ELG applicability reviews, mixing zone analysis, and water quality modeling (e.g., CORMIX, QUAL2K, WASP).
• Monitor state and federal regulatory developments (proposed and promulgated rule making, notices, etc.), trends, and present impacts of applicable regulatory requirements to fellow staff and clients.
• Develop and review operational and construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) and SPCC Plans; conduct compliance inspections and audits.
• Establish, build, and maintain relationships with agency personnel, internal Burns & McDonnell customers (in the engineering practices) and external clients.
• Help to build and maintain good working relationships with regulatory agencies such as: Environmental Protection Agency and related state agencies such as Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, etc. within permitting and enforcement groups.
• Prepare training materials and train site personnel and clients.
• Train, coach, and mentor junior staff.
• Present at trade associations and conferences.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Toxicology, or related field from an accredited program is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of related professional experience (12 years preferred).
• Prior consulting experience (strongly preferred).
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations relating to water quality, e.g., Section 402 of the Clean Water Act.
• Experience preparing NPDES permit applications.
• Strong regulatory and technical understanding of wastewater and stormwater systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to adjust to rapidly changing work environments and research approaches.
• Must be proficient in the use of computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Valid driver's license required. In addition, must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans

Job: Environmental

Primary Location: US-TX-Austin

Other Locations: US-TX-Fort Worth, US-TX-Houston

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Req ID: 250604

Job Hire Type: Experienced #LI-JJ #ENS