Wetlands Scientist

Our Business

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 14,000 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 a Wetlands Scientist for our Pittsburgh, PA office. Be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges. The WSP Environment Business is driven to provide our clients with solutions to challenging projects. We are passionate about the industry, and passionate about providing engineering consulting services across a wide range of engineering disciplines.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting environmental analysis and performing field work related to wetland and stream delineation and habitat assessments. This position requires the evaluation of environmental impacts associated with project development. Various tasks include supporting the siting and permitting of renewable, utility, energy and infrastructure projects, including pipelines and related facilities, transmission lines, substations, renewable energy and transportation projects.

It is essential that the candidate have practical knowledge or experience with environmental laws and regulations which are the framework for the development of energy infrastructure development. Knowledge or experience with permit applications, wetland and stream impacts, rare, threatened and endangered species consultation, land use, overhead and underground utility construction methodologies, water quality and stormwater management is desired. Knowledge or experience with these issues and their application to energy and land development projects is desirable. The position offers great potential for professional growth in a stimulating work.

Your Impact

• Perform environmental analysis and write reports.
• Conduct field work consisting of wetland delineations and habitat assessments.
• Write survey reports and prepare permit applications for federal and/or state environmental permits, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 and Section 10, PA, NJ, MD, and/or DE state wetland and stream permits, NPDES, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service coordination.
• Participate in linear energy planning/routing/siting studies including writing routing reports for submission to state public utility commissions.
• Conduct environmental permitting for renewable energy and other generation facilities.
• Attention and commitment to timely completion of high-quality work.
• Attend and facilitate stakeholder meetings and public hearings.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Collect, identify, and compile 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.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Perform professional environmental science work and assist with conducting 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, accurate reports, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, field/work site notes, and software.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, laboratory documentation, written procedures, monitoring systems, and logbooks.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment and tools, troubleshooting and reporting on malfunctions, and performing inventory control activities.
• Assist with development and scoping of small- to medium-sized projects.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• 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

• BS/BA in environmental studies, planning, natural resources, engineering or related field.
• 3 to 5 years of experience working as an environmental scientist and completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and impact assessments, and/or construction monitoring.
• Highly motivated with a client-oriented focus.
• Ability to work independently, and to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills.
• Prior wetland delineation and field work experience
• An advanced understanding or existing experience in the environmental analyzes principals associated with the siting and permitting facilities.
• Ability to work in a team environment with inter-disciplinary professionals.
• Willingness to travel (within the US) 20-30% of time
• Must be able to problem solve and think creatively
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP's Motor Vehicle screening
• This role is subject to a client mandated drug/alcohol testing policy. As such, employee may be subject to random drug/alcohol tests. A copy of the client mandated drug/alcohol testing policy will be provided during employee onboarding and is available upon applicant request.
• Analytical skills, and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species required.
• Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Moderate proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective manner 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.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or Ph.D. in environmental studies, planning, natural resources, engineering or related field
• Knowledge or experience with developing state and federal environmental permit applications and supporting documentation in PA, NJ, MD, and/or DE is desirable with a preference given for this experience with power and energy projects.
• Ability to perform stakeholder outreach, public presentations, and public speaking is desirable.

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