Assistant Vice President, Environmental Scientist - 17816

Lansing, MI

Assistant Vice President, Environmental Scientist - 17816

Our Business

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change.  As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Assistant VP-Environmental Scientist for our Lansing, MI office.

Provides subject matter technical support and leadership for the collection, identification, compiling, and analysis of observational and spatial data concerning a variety of biological, physical, and earth sciences.  Provides guidance for multi-site/phase environmental work and environmental permitting projects.  Ensures environmental science-related project elements and processes are conveyed and acted upon with a high level of quality and compliance to preserve the quality of the environment by identifying, controlling, and preventing disruption to environmental systems and species caused by human activity.  Responsible for providing situational guidance to PMs and managers that address current and future challenges associated with environmental impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy, permitting, and/or restoration.   Supervise any onsite remediation and ensure that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact

  • Provide oversight with data collection efforts for identifying and compiling observational, spatial, and environmental data concerning a variety of matrices for projects, investigations, and surveys. 
  • Ensure the appropriate use of topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS units, and other maps and tools to determine exact locations of project areas, site impact, habitat types, and associated physical and wildlife sensitivities.
  • Oversee the analysis of literature, laboratory samples, and other sources of information to uncover primary, secondary, and tertiary environmental impacts.
  • Prepare, complete, and/or review environmental survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act permitting, CEQA, NEPA, etc.). 
  • Ensure technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore larger-scale environmental challenges and complex problems.
  • Perform professional environmental science work and conduct investigations, inspections, and environmental studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental needs, site impact, habitat types, and associated physical and wildlife sensitivities.
  • Conduct and provide guidance on environmental site assessments (Phase I and II).
  • Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, models, cross-sections, and other illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex and larger scale data, findings, or analyses.
  • Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore more complex or larger-scale environmental problems.
  • Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory strategy, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion.
  • Participate in the application process for environmental permits to address issues or concerns – undertaking any resulting corrective strategies to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
  • Provide high level oversite for desk-based research, fieldwork, and/or laboratory work, including measurements, data interpretation, and computer modeling.
  • Coordinate with clients, resource agencies, and environmental and technical staff, providing a high level of strategic advice and subject matter expertise.
  • Develop a client base for providing high level environmental sciences services including identifying additional business development opportunities and engaging in proposal writing and submission.
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
  • Remain current in latest environmental science subject matter and techniques.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
  • 10+ years of experience working as an environmental scientist and completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and impact assessments, and/or construction monitoring.
  • Highly proficient expertise with environmental science skills for a specific ecosystem(s), habitat(s), and/or applicable species.
  • Extensive knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Demonstrated technical competence leading environmental permitting of assigned projects within business sector (e.g. commercial, infrastructure, energy, etc.)
  • Well-defined experience in conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with ASTM guidelines and industry standards.
  • Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Experienced with providing critical review for documents and preparing technical deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity.
  • Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency with technical and business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
  • Extensive critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects. 
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree is preferred.
  • Essential professional licensure/certification.
  • 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
  • Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

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