Environmental Scientist III

Dewberry • Richmond, VA

3d • $81,000 - $104,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Dewberry is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join their Richmond office. This role involves leading field efforts for wetland delineations, habitat assessments for threatened and endangered species, stream assessments, and other ecological fieldwork. The scientist will collaborate with environmental professionals and engineers to obtain necessary permits for clients, requiring experience with CWA Section 404/401, Endangered Species Act Section 7, and Section 106 of the NHPA. The position also includes mentoring entry-level staff and assisting Project Managers with fieldwork coordination and report writing. A working knowledge of the flora and fauna of the mid-Atlantic region is expected. Dewberry is a national professional services firm known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, offering opportunities for professionals to work on complex projects.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, or related field is required.
• 5-10 years of work experience is required.
• Capability to execute and coordinate environmental permitting and environmental assessment activities with internal/external clients and regulatory agencies.
• Knowledge of Virginia environmental regulations and permitting, 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Wetland Delineation Manual and Piedmont/Coastal Plain Supplements, Unified Stream Assessment (USM) Tool for Stream Mitigation Credit determination, Perennial Flow Determinations, and Chesapeake Bay Act Resources and Identification.
• VDEQ Professional Wetland Delineator/Virginia Surface Water Delineator (PWD/VSWD) required, or with ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Regular field work in a variety of seasonal conditions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Local and occasional statewide travel is required (70/30 split between field and office).

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree (Master’s) in Biology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science & Policy, Hydrogeology or related field is a plus.
• Proficiency with ESRI Products (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey 123) is preferred.
• Sediment and Erosion Control Inspector and/or natural stream restoration design certification (Rosgen) is a plus.
• Specific species experience (i.e. Small Whorled Pogonia) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Technical field lead for Wetland Delineations, T&E habitat assessments and surveys, soil assessments, hydrology and vegetation inventories, and various other site assessments.
• Coordinate field visits with staff, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Evaluate site conditions and select wetlands identification, mitigation and regulatory approval strategies.
• Prepare environmental permit applications for Federal, State and Local agencies.
• Complete post permit compliance monitoring.
• Document and summarize results of field investigations and analyses.
• Prepare plans, specifications, maps, exhibits and supporting documentation for client and regulatory approvals.
• Provide client and regulatory agency coordination.
• Support proposal preparation, contract execution, and budget/schedule adherence.
• Perform technical work and develop project execution strategies.
• Serve as technical lead and mentor for entry level field staff.
• Technical report writing.
• QAQC.

Benefits

• Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level