Environmental Planner / Field Biologist

WSP•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

WSP’s Planning & Environment group is seeking an Environmental Planner / Field Biologist to support its environmental planning services. The role assists with planning and implementing environmental projects, helping ensure development projects comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations under close supervision. Projects may involve energy, transportation, government, and other land development work. The position supports environmental and transportation planning studies and documentation, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) materials, biological evaluations, natural resource analyses, figures, and maps. It also involves regulatory and land-use application preparation, project tracking and records, research, data collection, field surveys, and technical reports. The role considers natural, social, political, and economic factors in supporting sustainable project outcomes and follows local, state, federal, and tribal requirements. The successful candidate collaborates with WSP personnel, contractors, agencies, tribal stakeholders, and the public; may help guide junior staff or interns; and contributes to public meeting materials and stakeholder engagement. Fieldwork and project travel may account for substantial time, with up to 75% travel and trips of 1–10 nights depending on project needs. Schedules may extend beyond a typical workweek.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
1 to 3 years of experience in environmental planning, including environmental field surveys for plants and animals, construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
Proficiency identifying local plants and animals.
Effective analytical skills and experience with research techniques, local and regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species.
Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable regional, state, and federal regulatory frameworks.
Proficient technical writing skills.
Proficient interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience with discipline-specific software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules that meet project-specific requirements and may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Ability to travel for 1–10 nights as project requirements dictate; the position may involve travel up to 75% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field.
Exposure to ArcGIS.
Experience working with tribal, federal, state, or local agencies, or with the public.
Experience participating in or conducting field delineation of wetlands and waters of the United States, or other field or permitting activities.
Experience conducting protocol surveys for special-status species, particularly avian raptors and endangered plants.
Familiarity with NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Clean Water Act, and state and local environmental regulations and related reporting requirements, including Environmental Assessments, Biological Assessments, Reclamation Plans, Pre-Construction Notifications, and reclamation and restoration regulations.
Interest in land management and responsible, sustainable development of oil and gas projects, renewable energy infrastructure, roads, bridges, and other projects.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, developing, and implementing environmental projects to support compliance with environmental laws and regulations under supervision.
Participate in environmental planning studies and prepare related documentation, including NEPA documents, figures, and maps for environmental and transportation studies.
Conduct biological evaluations and contribute natural resource content to planning documents.
Prepare and submit regulatory development applications and other land-use planning materials for energy, transportation, or government projects under supervision.
Maintain and design project tracking mechanisms, process designs, and records.
Help implement project development requirements with WSP personnel, outside contractors, and agency and tribal stakeholders.
Conduct data collection, research, field surveys, and technical work under supervision.
Support land development projects while accounting for environmental, social, political, and economic factors and applicable local, state, federal, and tribal regulations.
Prepare technical memoranda, documentation, and reports under supervision.
Keep up to date on regulatory rules, rule changes, current trends, and planning practices.
Provide guidance to junior staff or interns to assist with project flow.
Collaborate on presentation materials and ideas for public meetings or interactions.
Participate professionally in public and stakeholder engagement.
Follow WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures, and exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company resources.
Perform other duties as required by business needs.