An Environmental Planner or Scientist uses training and background in natural sciences to study the environment and threats to the environment. Investigates environmental problems and advises on solutions. May focus on potential environmental health risks to people, such as unsafe drinking water, or on protecting the environment and ecosystems from human activity such as development and industrial pollution.
Neel-Schaffer, an ENR Top 200 Design firm, is seeking an Environmental Scientist II to join our Environmental Team. We are seeking a motivated wetland scientist, ecologist, or biologist with 2-3 years of experience conducting environmental field studies and preparing technical reports that support engineering, planning, environmental compliance, and project development. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting ecological field investigations, collecting and analyzing environmental data, preparing technical reports, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Experience with Gulf Coast ecosystems and aquatic resources is preferred. Primary Responsibilities
Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and applicable regional supplements.
Conduct environmental field studies including threatened and endangered species surveys, vegetation surveys, habitat assessments, aquatic resource evaluations, and other ecological investigations.
Collect, manage, and analyze field data using GPS equipment, including Trimble units, and GIS platforms such as ArcGIS Field Maps.
Prepare maps, figures, and spatial analyses using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
Prepare technical reports, resource studies, and environmental documentation supporting project planning, environmental compliance, and regulatory review.
Assist in the preparation of environmental documentation supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, environmental permitting, agency consultation, and planning efforts.
Coordinate with federal and state resource agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
Travel throughout Mississippi and occasionally neighboring Gulf Coast states to conduct field investigations. Overnight travel is expected based on project needs.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Forestry, Natural Resources, or a related field.
2 - 3 years of experience conducting environmental field studies, wetland delineations, ecological assessments, or natural resource investigations.
Demonstrated experience characterizing wetlands, habitats, and other natural resources using accepted field methods.
Familiarity with threatened and endangered species evaluations and aquatic resource investigations.
Working knowledge of Mississippi ecosystems and natural communities, particularly wetland, coastal, forested, and aquatic environments.
Experience using GIS and GPS technologies for field data collection, mapping, and spatial analysis; proficiency with ArcGIS Pro is preferred.
Strong technical writing skills and experience preparing environmental reports, resource studies, and related documentation.
Familiarity with environmental compliance processes such as NEPA, Clean Water Act permitting, Endangered Species Act compliance, and agency coordination.
Ability to work independently in the field and collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary project teams.
Ability to work outdoors in challenging field conditions, including wetlands, forests, streams, coastal marshes, and remote locations.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel overnight as needed.
Wetland delineation training, experience working in Gulf Coast environments, Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification, or progress toward certification are a plus.
Equal Opportunity Employer
