Environmental Scientist I

The Environmental Scientist I will support the Coastal Resources team in conducting field and office work focused on coastal resource assessments, monitoring, permitting and compliance. This role will involve shoreline surveying, bathymetric surveys, SAV (Submerged Aquatic Vegetation) assessments, wetland and stream delineations, monitoring well sampling, and habitat assessments. Office tasks will involve assisting with regulatory permitting processes and reporting for coastal area work, including marinas, land development projects, and municipal lands. The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental work and should be comfortable working outdoors in diverse coastal environments and in an office setting. This role will be split between field and office duties and the employee may spend about half of their time in the office and the other half in the field in any given week.

Fieldwork and Data Collection

• Perform shoreline surveys (NWL, OHWM) and SAV (Submerged Aquatic Vegetation) surveys, including snorkeling and wading in nearshore estuarine and marine environments.
• Assist with bathymetric surveys, including operation of survey equipment on boats in varying weather conditions.
• Conduct wetlands delineations (coastal and freshwater), involving the use of hand augers and shovels to dig borings and test pits in diverse conditions.
• Monitor well sampling and seasonal high water table determinations using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Collect, document, and organize field data, ensuring detailed field notes and calibration records are maintained.
• Operate and maintain GPS units, water quality meters, and other sampling instruments to support data accuracy and reliability.
• Assist survey and engineering staff as needed to gather critical technical information.
• Process GPS and field data for integration into AutoCAD Civil 3D or other software.
• Maintain and organize field equipment, vehicles, and supplies to ensure readiness for fieldwork.

Permitting and Regulatory Support

• Assist with preparing regulatory permit applications, including DCM, DWR, USACE 404/401 permits, and buffer authorizations.
• Participate in compiling reports and exhibits documenting field investigation findings.
• Drafting of exhibits, plans and documents for inclusion in reports and permit submissions.
• Communicate with regulatory officials and stakeholders to facilitate project approvals and compliance.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, coastal studies, geology or a related field.
• 0-4 years of experience in environmental science, coastal resources, or a related field; survey experience a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to pass an MVR records check.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Excellent technical and report writing skills, with the ability to compile reports electronically.
• Ability to perform fieldwork in challenging coastal conditions (heat, cold, insects, briars, marine wildlife, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and GIS software preferred. Bluebeam experience a plus.
• Flexibility to travel and stay overnight for certain out-of-town work. The anticipated travel would be up to 4 nights per month.

Working Conditions

This role involves conducting field investigations for projects ranging in size from 1 acre to over 1,000 acres. Candidates should be comfortable working in wetland environments with shallow waters up to 6 feet deep. Employees must be willing and able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, adhering to company health and safety protocols. Due to the nature of the fieldwork, the employee will be exposed to environmental hazards, including heat, cold, insects, briars, marine wildlife, etc. This role includes travel for fieldwork with occasional overnight travel for up to 4 days per month. May be required to work longer hours in both the field and office to meet timely deadlines as needed.

In Office Work

• The assignment may occasionally require repetitive physical tasks (such as operating a computer), standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time, extended time travelling in a vehicle, and carrying equipment and materials up to 25 pounds.

Field Work

• Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork year-round in various weather conditions.
• The employee will frequently be required to walk long distances in excess of 1-mile, while carrying approximately 10 pounds of field equipment and a field vest.
• The employee will frequently work in wetland and shallow water environments, with chest waders and wetsuits provided as necessary for project tasks.
• While working in the field, the employee will be required to carry field equipment, which may include a soil auger, machete, infiltration testing equipment, coring equipment and GPS unit. The employee must be able to lift field supplies and equipment ranging from 10 – 50 pounds.

Why WR? WithersRavenel is looking for people who are passionate about collaboration, community, and client success. Your reward for sharing your talent with us? OWNERSHIP. As a 100% employee-owned company, every employee is an owner—which adds a powerful and unique dimension to our vibrant company culture and purposeful work. Our employee owners say they love a lot of things about WithersRavenel, but the things most often cited are:

• our amazing people and team-first atmosphere,
• our focus on the professional development and growth of our staff, and
• our commitment to the communities in which we work and live.

Learn more about our benefits and employee ownership!

Bring your talent and collaborative spirit and join our team of employee owners at WithersRavenel!

WithersRavenel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, military service, or other non-merit factors protected by federal, state, or local laws. At WithersRavenel, we strive to build and nurture a culture where diversity, inclusivity, and belonging are a normal part of doing business, not an initiative. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results. By hiring highly talented people who align with our Core Values, we continue to enrich and broaden our ownership community, as well as the employee and client experience. This purposeful approach to diversity and inclusion leads to greater commitment, collaboration, and effectiveness in our culture, work, and lives.