Senior Environmental Scientist, Project Manager

VHB; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

VHB is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager for its Orlando, FL practice. The role focuses on NEPA documentation, federal/state permitting, and project leadership, with mentoring responsibilities for junior staff. Strong client engagement and business development are expected.

The position requires 11+ years in environmental science, 5+ years in project management, and relevant Florida field experience. A BS/BA is needed, with a Master's preferred.

Qualifications

• 11+ years in environmental science and natural resources.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
• Experience with NEPA and federal/state permitting processes.
• BS/BA in Environmental Science or related field; Master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead NEPA documentation and environmental permitting projects.
• Manage and mentor environmental staff and projects.
• Support business development and client engagement.
• Coordinate with regulators, clients, and internal teams.
• Oversee field surveys, reporting, and data management.

Skills

Project management

Environmental field work

Mentoring staff

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Environmental Science

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ArcPro GIS

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB’s growing Southeast Environmental Services team has an immediate need for a senior-level Environmental Scientist/Project Manager to join our growing practice in Orlando, Florida. The successful candidate will have professional experience in consulting in the environmental field and with the preparation of state and federal permits. As well as project management experience. In addition to participating in high-profile environmental/natural resource projects and assisting in business development efforts, the Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager will also be responsible for assisting in management and mentoring of staff.

Overview

VHB’s growing Southeast Environmental Services team has an immediate need for a senior-level Environmental Scientist/Project Manager to join our growing practice in Orlando, Florida. The successful candidate will have professional experience in consulting in the environmental field and with the preparation of state and federal permits. As well as project management experience. In addition to participating in high-profile environmental/natural resource projects and assisting in business development efforts, the Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager will also be responsible for assisting in management and mentoring of staff.

Responsibilities

• NEPA documentation preparation and review (including EIS, EA, and CATEX)
• PD&E documentation preparation and review
• Federal Section 404/401, state Environmental Resource Permitting, and local environmental permitting
• Oversee rare, threatened and endangered species surveys
• Conduct ESA Section 7 and 10 consultation and permitting
• State protected species permitting
• Experienced in wetland delineation Functional Assessment
• Identification of plants and vegetation inventories
• Facilitation of GPS, mobile technology, and data management
• Utilization of GIS, geodatabases, and general mapmaking, experience with ArcPro a plus
• Perform Research and Analysis and prepare written technical reports
• Assist with public involvement activities as necessary
• Oversight of water quality monitoring projects and reporting
• Coordinate and communicate with internal and external project team members, clients and regulators
• Participate in new business development efforts and prepare proposals, as needed
• Act as a mentor and trains environmental staff

Skills And Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Must demonstrate an ability in collaborative problem solving with stakeholders, clients, and teammates
• Ability to identify flora within the Florida region using technical keys/regional references.
• Ability to delineate wetlands and complete wetland functional analysis
• Phase I ESA, Air Quality, and/or Noise study experience a plus
• Ability to work independently and as part of team in an office setting, remote field locations, and/or in challenging weather conditions
• Ability to travel on short notice, at night, and/or on weekend shifts, and potentially for extended periods of time
• Ability to think critically in the field and office
• Excellent attention to detail, team oriented, and flexible

Qualifications

• 11+ years of experience in environmental science and natural resources
• Minimum of 5 years of Project Management experience
• Renewable Energy experience and/or Transportation support experience (FDOT/Airports) a plus
• B.S. or B.A. in Environmental Science, Biology, Fisheries and Wildlife, Ecology, or Natural Resources (Masters preferred)
• Coursework in plant identification, plant ecology, wildlife species, wetland identification, hydric soils, and/or aquatic habitats
• Extensive fieldwork experience in Florida/Southeastern natural habitats, whether through coursework or professional experience
• Extensive Permitting Experience (Federal/State)
• Experience with NEPA and agencies processes

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for VHB in the U.S. without employer sponsorship either now or in the future

The full-time annual base salary range for this position, located in Orlando, FL, is $105,000 to $125,000. The base salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted salary range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program.

Annual base salary is one component of VHB’s Total Rewards package. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases, providing opportunities to increase earnings beyond base pay. VHB also offers a differentiating work experience , including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs.

Details on VHB’s benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist

Building What’s Next, Together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people‑driven, future‑ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When You Join VHB, You’ll Find

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.