Staff Environmental Scientist

Burns & McDonnell; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Staff Environmental Scientist to assist with environmental and siting studies, permitting applications, and data analysis for renewable projects, transmission routes, power generation, and water facilities.

The role includes field visits, reports, GIS-based map production, and NEPA documentation support, with emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance. Detroit, MI area preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field with 4+ years' experience or Master’s with 3+ years.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Clear verbal and written communication of technical information.
• Working knowledge of environmental site assessment methods and permitting.

Responsibilities

• Assist in environmental and siting studies and permitting applications.
• Support field surveys, site visits, data collection, and data analysis.
• Prepare technical reports, photologs, and environmental field studies.
• Utilize GIS data for map production and compliance with standards.
• Support NEPA documentation and environmental compliance audits.
• Ensure safety policies are followed and assist with other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal & written communication

MS Office proficiency

GIS / ArcGIS knowledge

Driver's license

GPA 3.0 minimum

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Master's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS/field data collection

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint)

Job description

Description

The Staff Environmental Scientist will assist in conducting environmental and siting studies, preparing permitting applications and analyzing environmental data for various types of projects, including but not limited to renewable projects, high-voltage transmission line routing, power generation construction activities and water treatment facilities.

• Assist in conducting site visits to construction sites, field surveys, assessments and collecting project-related data for analysis in environmental impact projects.

• Assist in preparation of technical reports, photologs, summary reports, and environmental field studies.

• Provide assistance in utilizing GIS data for map production in accordance with standards and industry best practices.

• Assist with performing environmental site investigations, support erosion control efforts, and vegetation monitoring.

• Assist in conducting environmental compliance audits.

• Assist in preparing a wide variety of permitting applications such as stormwater, wetland, driveway, zoning, and utility permitting.

• Support site selection studies and preparation of related National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation.

• Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Environmental Science or similar and 4 years of related experience OR a Master Degree and 3 years of related experience.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

• Ability to clearly communicate both verbal and written technical information.

• Basic knowledge of environmental site assessment methods.

• Basic knowledge of environmental compliance and compliance audits.

• Basic knowledge of the environmental permitting process.

• Basic knowledge of GPS and working in the ArcGIS desktop environment.

• Must be proficient in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.

• Valid driver's license required.

• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.

• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.

Compensation

$95,000.00-145,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

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

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Environmental

Primary Location US-IL-Chicago

Other Locations US-MI-Detroit, US-IL-Downers Grove

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-GS #ENS