Senior Environmental Scientist​/Project Manager

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager for our Chicago, IL
. Indianapolis, IN will also be considered.

This role provides high level technical assistance and guidance for the collection, identification, compiling, and analysis of observational and spatial data concerning a variety of biological, physical, and earth sciences. Provides support and guidance for multi-site/phase environmental work and environmental permitting projects. Ensures that documentation and recommendations accurately describe the results of analyses and addresses environmental impact and long-term ecological risks.

Assists project leadership with environmental impact assessment, corrective/mitigation strategy development, permitting, and/or restoration activities. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

• Provide guidance with data collection efforts for identifying and compiling observational, spatial, and environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, sludge, and other matrices for projects, investigations, and surveys.
• Use 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.
• Analyze literature, data, laboratory samples, and other sources of information to uncover primary, secondary, and tertiary environmental impacts.
• Prepare and complete 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 regulatory requirement compliance pertaining to the data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, and record compliance and retention.
• 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.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, models, cross-sections, and other illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex data, findings, or analyses.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore mid- to larger-scale environmental problems.
• Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory compliance, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion.
• Provide high level oversight for desk-based research, fieldwork, and/or laboratory work, including measurements, data interpretation, and computer modeling.
• Provide environmental risk identification and impact assessment, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level threat mitigation and permitting activities projects to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
• Assist with development and scoping of medium-to large-sized projects.
• Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
• Coordinate with clients, resource/regulatory agencies, and environmental and technical staff in a confident and professional manner.
• 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.
• Actively engage in business development and proposal writing.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• 5+ years of experience working as an environmental scientist and completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and impact assessments, and/or construction monitoring.
• Specific background and expertise should consist of strong environmental science / ecology skills with specific ecosystem, habitat, and/or applicable species.
• Expertise and experience with State and Federal protection regulations, guidelines, and consulting processes pertaining to the specific environmental science position.
• Established experience coordinating with clients, regulatory permitting and resource agencies, and environmental technical staff required.
• Demonstrated experience leading and reviewing environmental science technical reports, environmental impact evaluations, siting reports, and environmental permit applications and licensing, including field surveys and reporting, and resource and…