Environmental Consultant/Environmental Planner

Timmons Group•Richmond, VA

3d•$70,000 - $82,000

About The Position

Timmons Group is seeking a detail-oriented, self-motivated Environmental Consultant to lead and support environmental clearance workflows for Locally Administered Projects (LAPs) under the oversight of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The role serves as a technical bridge between local public agencies, engineering design teams, and state and federal regulatory bodies. Its objective is to help transportation enhancements, multi-use trails, roadway widenings, intersection improvements, and bridge rehabilitations achieve environmental clearance under NEPA, state environmental review directives, and applicable natural and cultural resource regulations. The position involves conducting NEPA reviews and preparing environmental documents; coordinating with agencies and stakeholders; supporting technical studies, site assessments, permits, and resource delineation; and reviewing engineering plans to ensure environmental commitments and resource protections are incorporated. The role requires 2–3 years of relevant experience focused on transportation infrastructure projects in Virginia, a relevant bachelor's degree, knowledge of VDOT LAP and NEPA processes, strong communication skills, a valid driver's license, and periodic travel to project sites and public meetings.

Requirements

2–3 years of professional environmental consulting, regulatory agency, or local government experience directly focused on transportation infrastructure projects in Virginia.
Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Urban/Regional Planning, Biology, Natural Resources, Civil/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Working knowledge of the VDOT Locally Administered Projects (LAP) Manual, the VDOT NEPA Manual, and standard VDOT project development phases.
Firm understanding of NEPA review and compliance, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, and Section 6(f) of the Land & Water Conservation Fund Act.
Superior technical writing, research, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate regulatory constraints and deliverable milestones to municipal clients and project engineers.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel periodically across Virginia for field inspections and public meetings.
High energy, creativity, flexibility, patience, and self-starter qualities; willingness to work at a dynamic pace.
Commitment to the company's Vision, Mission, and Shared Values.

Responsibilities

Conduct NEPA reviews and prepare Programmatic Categorical Exclusions (PCEs), Categorical Exclusions (CEs), and Environmental Assessments (EAs) in accordance with VDOT LAP Manual Chapter 15, the VDOT NEPA Manual, and FHWA policies.
Coordinate with local agency project managers, VDOT Project Coordinators, VDOT Environmental Reviewers, and regulatory and reviewing agencies to support successful NEPA review and project delivery.
Coordinate hazardous materials reviews, threatened and endangered species habitat evaluations, desktop cultural resource screenings, and Section 4(f)/6(f) evaluations.
Assist in preparing and securing Clean Water Act Section 404/401 permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Collaborate with wetland delineators and civil design teams to quantify and minimize impacts to aquatic resources.
Review roadway and structural plan sets for Right-of-Way and Final Construction phases to verify that environmental commitments, avoidance areas, and permit sketches are accurately integrated into engineering contract documents.
Travel periodically to Virginia project sites for field inspections and public meetings.