Senior Level Wetland Scientist/Permitting Specialist

Tetra Tech; Virginia Beach (VA); Remote; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking a Wetland Scientist and Permitting Specialist to join their team. This fully remote position requires expertise in environmental permitting and natural resource surveys, with strong communication skills essential for engaging clients and regulatory agencies. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree and have significant experience in compliance and permitting related to aquatic resources.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in environmental compliance, focusing on aquatic resources.
• Experience coordinating with regulatory entities.
• Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead permitting activities for infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical expertise for environmental planning.
• Engage clients to develop proposals and prepare cost estimates.

Skills

Environmental permitting

Natural resource surveys

Strong communication skills

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, natural resources, environmental science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

GIS software

Job description

Overview

The Opportunity: Tetra Tech is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Wetland Scientist and Permitting Specialist to join our Mid-Atlantic Natural Resources team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental permitting, compliance, and natural resource surveys. This fully remote position will involve working closely with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal teams to ensure successful project execution and adherence to environmental regulations. This position requires the candidate to be a U.S. Citizen due to the projects they will be working on.

Why Tetra Tech

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Your Impact

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Responsibilities

• Support/lead permitting activities and manage tasks for a range of infrastructure, energy, and development projects (e.g., Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Mid-Atlantic area state permits, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NEPA, NPDES/VPDES, etc.).
• Lead stream and wetland delineation and assessment, and other natural resource surveys.
• Engage with clients to develop proposals, prepare cost estimates, and respond to Requests for Proposals/Qualifications (RFPs/RFQs).
• Provide technical expertise and support for critical issues analysis and environmental planning.
• Collaborate with project managers and field teams to ensure quality control of data collected during field operations, including direct mentorship and oversight of junior staff.
• Prepare technical documents, including reports and permit applications, for submittal to regulatory agencies. Includes direct coordination, verification, and receipt of permit approvals.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of environmental regulations and best practices within the industry.
• Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
• Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline, knowledge, and awareness.
• Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Additional duties as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in environmental compliance and permitting, with a focus on aquatic resources. A master’s degree can supplement 2 years of experience if in a relevant field.
• Experience coordinating with regulatory entities: USFWS, VDWR, USACE, DEQ, VMRC, Local Wetland Boards, and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Boards.
• Experience (3+ years) leading field teams to conduct aquatic resource surveys, habitat assessment and other natural resource surveys.
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license in good standing.
• Strong understanding of federal and state environmental regulations and permitting processes.
• Demonstrated success in obtaining environmental permits.
• Experience with field mapping, data collection, and analysis using GIS and other relevant software.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and regulatory stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with excellent critical thinking and troubleshooting/problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective written/verbal communication and organization/analytical skills.
• Experience recording/writing detailed technical data and reports and building tables and spreadsheets (including tabulation and manipulation of data).
• Ability to engage in multifaceted and dynamic situations and to collaborate with a team of experts to support work through the lifecycle of a project.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed, approximately 25%.

If this position requires a CAC card, CUI Enclave Access and/or a Security Clearance, a background check will be completed.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position requires the ability to: remain in stationary position, move/traverse uneven terrain for extended periods during field assessments; transport/move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds; use manual dexterity for tasks such as operating field sampling equipment, writing, and data entry; conduct fieldwork in various environmental conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The role involves: a combination of office and fieldwork settings, with the majority of fieldwork conducted outdoors in varying weather conditions; frequent travel to project sites, which may include remote locations requiring overnight stays; exposure to natural environments, including wetlands, streams, and construction sites, necessitating adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Language & Communication Skills

The position requires strong written and oral communication skills. The candidate must be fluent in the English language, both in writing and speaking. Requirements include: the ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports, permit applications, and project documentation; strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with clients, regulatory agencies, and team members; experience presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders in a professional manner.

Other Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiar with GIS software; basic mathematical skills; experience with environmental sampling and assessment tools and methodologies; knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance standards relevant to aquatic resources and permitting processes.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees, Tetra Tech offers solutions by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Please no phone calls or agencies.

Organization: 112 EGS