Early Career Environmental Scientist

WSP•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

WSP is seeking an Early Career Environmental Scientist for its Gainesville, Florida office. The role is part of the Permitting, Planning, and Licensing Team and focuses on natural resources and permitting across a variety of markets. The employee will provide technical assistance with collecting, identifying, and compiling data for biological, physical, and earth science projects throughout the region, collaborating with planners, scientists, and engineers to deliver results for clients. Under general supervision, the Environmental Scientist supports ecological systems and water resources work, including field surveys, wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species surveys, natural resource inventories, and surface and groundwater sampling. The role includes maintaining quality standards, documenting field and project information, following safety procedures, using current technologies and instrumentation, and balancing fieldwork with reporting for multiple projects. The position may require project-specific schedules extending beyond a typical workweek, periodic field travel, and working outdoors in varied site and weather conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related life sciences field.
0 to 1+ years of relevant post-education experience.
Analytical skills and familiarity with research techniques, local or regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species or disciplines.
Familiarity with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
Interpersonal and communication skills to express ideas effectively and professionally to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Self-leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization skills in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work independently under general supervision and as part of a team to meet business objectives.
Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
Record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules that meet project-specific requirements and may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from the office and project locations.
Ability to travel periodically for field surveys; travel may include extended opportunities, though employees are typically home for weekends.
Ability to work outdoors under a variety of site and weather conditions.
Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Wetlands Professional in Training (WPIT) status with the Society of Wetland Scientists, or equivalent education or experience.
Herbaceous and woody plant identification skills.
FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent status.
Demonstrated experience trailering and operating small boats.
ArcGIS capabilities.

Responsibilities

Conduct natural resource field surveys under general supervision.
Perform wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species surveys, and natural resource inventories under general supervision.
Conduct surface and groundwater sampling.
Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
Assist with environmental science work relating to ecological systems and water resources, including verifying site characteristics and providing entry-level technical assistance on environmental issues.
Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field or work-site notebooks.
Manage workflows involving fieldwork and timely completion of reporting tasks for multiple projects.
Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures, including requirements for sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
Use current technologies, instrumentation, and techniques to study and analyze habitats, sites, and potential impacts on environmental and population health.
Complete training on assigned tasks.
Make responsible and ethical decisions regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.