Staff Environmental Scientist (Houston)

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

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell in Houston, TX, is seeking an experienced environmental professional to perform wetland delineations and protected species assessments. The role involves GIS data collection, report writing, and preparing applications for federal, state, and local permits.

Travel up to 75% domestically is required; telecommuting is allowed up to 30 days per year. A bachelor’s (or master’s with experience) is required, with strong regulatory knowledge and field capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, biology, ecology, or related field with 4 years wetland delineation experience.
• Master’s degree with 3 years in lieu of bachelor’s degree accepted.
• Experience interpreting CWA, ESA, NHPA, RHA, NPDES, NEPA and state/federal regulatory requirements.
• Must be able to travel domestically up to 75% and occasionally on weekends.

Responsibilities

• Perform wetland delineations per USACE protocol and procedures.
• Carry out protected species field assessments and habitat identifications.
• Record field data with GPS and prepare technical reports and permit applications.
• Contribute to agency consultations, QA/QC of deliverables, and project tracking.
• Support project management with budget and field coordination; ensure safety compliance.

Skills

GIS knowledge

MS Office

Field investigations

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science/planning/biology/ecology

Master's degree in environmental science/planning/biology/ecology

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Description

Perform wetland delineations with strict adherence to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers protocol and procedures. Perform protected species field assessments targeted at identifying potential and critical habitats as well as performing presence/absence surveys, as required. Perform data recording using a Global Positioning System (GPS). Compose technical reports presenting results from field investigations and develop appropriate applications/consultations necessary for various regulatory approvals. Develop required applications for various regulatory approvals. Conduct environmental compliance services related to construction and operational activities. Prepare and submit federal, state and local non-environmental permit applications. Perform agency consultations and follow-ups, as required. Assist project management with budgetary tracking, field coordination, and project permit tracking. Office related activities would include authoring reports, field data review, QA/QC of draft deliverables, and equipment tracking/maintenance. Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies. Comply with all company policies and standards. Primarily domestic, overnight travel to field locations may be required up to 75%. Ability to travel outside of normal working hours, including weekend travel. Telecommuting is allowed up to 30 days per year.

Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s degree, in environmental science, environmental planning, biology, ecology, or related field from an accredited program plus four (4) years of experience conducting wetland assessments and delineations.

• Interpreting regulations and permitting requirements related to the Clean Water Act (CWA), Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historical Preservation Act (NHPA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, National Environmental Policy Act, State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Environmental Quality, and Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
• CWA sections 404 and 401 permitting requirements.
• RHA sections 10 and 14 (408) requirements.
• ESA sections 7 and 10 requirements.
• NHPA Section 106 requirements.
• Erosion control and site restoration practices.

• Working knowledge of GIS support software and analysis.
• Computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be physically capable of conducting field investigations and inspections.
• Valid driver's license required – Must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.

Alternatively, the employer will accept a Master’s degree in environmental science, environmental planning, biology, ecology, or related field from an accredited program plus three (3) years of experience conducting wetland assessments and delineations in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years of described experience.

Must have two (2) years of experience in each of the following:

• Interpreting regulations and permitting requirements related to the Clean Water Act (CWA), Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historical Preservation Act (NHPA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, National Environmental Policy Act, State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Environmental Quality, and Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
• CWA sections 404 and 401 permitting requirements.
• RHA sections 10 and 14 (408) requirements.
• ESA sections 7 and 10 requirements.
• NHPA Section 106 requirements.
• Erosion control and site restoration practices.

• Working knowledge of GIS support software and analysis.
• Computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be physically capable of conducting field investigations and inspections.
• Valid driver's license required – Must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.

Primarily domestic, overnight travel to field locations may be required up to 75%. Ability to travel outside of normal working hours, including weekend travel. Telecommuting is allowed up to 30 days per year.

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-TX-Houston

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 75 % of the Time

Req ID: 263907

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-DNI #ENS *IND-DNP*