Lead Environmental Scientist - NEPA - 17324

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

To support our growing workload, WSP is looking for a professional Lead Environmental Scientist specializing in NEPA and Impact Assessments. This professional will join our interdisciplinary team of professionals in our Ballwin, MO office, focused on impact assessment for the social, natural, and physical environment to support a variety of clients and projects. The team will consider remote work for this role for candidates located in our Plains District (KS, MO, NE, IA, SD, ND, MN, OK, AR). This dynamic team of over 50 individuals works collaboratively within the region and with other planners, scientists, and engineers within WSP to successfully meet our clients’ needs for impact analysis and permitting.

We promote a positive work environment for multi-disciplinary collaboration and pride ourselves in making sure every team member is valued and given opportunity for growth. Depending on level of experience, you will have the opportunity to lead impact assessment projects in coordination with other planners, biologists, scientists, and engineers. Leadership of such efforts will include managing scope, schedule, and budget as well as technical aspects from project initiation to completion. This role will focus on project management and delivery, technical understanding of and experience with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations and guidance, interpersonal skills, and the ability to partner with clients, co-workers, and agency representatives. Potential projects include (but are not limited to) preparation of NEPA environmental assessments, environmental impact statements and related technical studies, and similar impact assessment documentation for a variety of clients. WSP is especially interested in candidates with a history in leading such efforts for the nuclear industry and other energy-focused projects. Experience with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license applications (Environmental Reports [ER]) and NEPA compliance is preferred. This is a position which will appeal to individuals with experience in impact studies pursuant to NEPA, with a focus on larger environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, and interest in working with a professional team of environmental/ natural and cultural resources scientists and planners.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience in directing the technical and administrative aspects of complex environmental studies for environmental impact assessment, and will be responsible for coordinating schedules, providing technical direction to project teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, implementing program policy and problem resolution to assure project completions on time and within budget. Flexibility and willingness to work as part of an interdisciplinary team is a must. Opportunities for growth include development of client relationships, marketing and business development, and leading a team of NEPA practitioners. WSP invites qualified applicants with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or higher in the field of environmental science, planning, engineering, or an equivalent discipline with at least 7 years direct work experience to apply for the position. Masters’ degree is a plus.

Your Impact

This role will serve a critical function for the delivery of environmental documents. This position will support on-going environmental assessment projects with the following key responsibilities, depending on level of experience:

Planning and directing preparation of defensible NEPA documents, technical studies, and other similar reports/documents
Providing oversight to develop and review documents for submittal to regulatory agencies or clients with accountability for accuracy and completeness
Performing complex assignments, making independent decisions on problems and methods
Conducting independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of development of environmental impact assessment documents and supporting efforts
Management of multi-disciplinary teams for impact assessment, including directing the work of others in completion of required studies, documents, and reports
Manage and mentor technical teams to complete projects within budget and schedule expectations
Provide technical direction to project team members for environmental impact analyses and license/permitting documents
Direct interaction with clients in process management and provide guidance and advice on complying with NEPA and related statutes and authorities (e.g., Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the Executive Order on Environmental Justice, etc.)
Lead/contribute to development of proposals, including scope of work/technical approach, budget, and schedule

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a BS/BA degree in in the field of environmental/biological science, planning, engineering, or an equivalent discipline
At least 7 years of applicable experience with NEPA documentation
Exceptional writing and oral communication skills, strategic thinking, and presentation skills
Experience and strong familiarity with NRC licensing and associated regulations
Command of NEPA and its implementing regulations
Experience analyzing written, edited, and organized material from diverse sources and then preparing clear, concise, understandable documents for public review
Working knowledge and demonstrated experience with NRC regulations and guidelines such as NUREG 1748 and NEPA implementation procedures is a plus
Advanced professional experience in developing and writing defensible EIA/NEPA documents for NRC and energy projects
Experience leading professional NEPA project teams
Demonstrated experience in development of successful proposals

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