Environmental Scientist
About The Position
VHB's growing Mid-Atlantic Environmental Services practice is seeking an Environmental Scientist with a strong background in natural resources and a passion for team leadership and business development. This individual will help lead and grow our Natural Sciences team, currently made up of junior and senior environmental scientists and GIS analysts across Virginia and North Carolina. This is a strategic, client-facing role where you'll mentor staff, shape environmental strategies, and actively support client engagement and market growth. We are looking for someone who thrives in collaborative, multi-disciplinary environments and are excited to expand relationships across the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy sectors.
Requirements
- 3+ years of professional experience in environmental science or natural resources
- B.S. or B.A. in Environmental Science, Biology, Fisheries and Wildlife, Ecology, or Natural Resources (Master's preferred)
- Coursework in plant identification, ecology, wildlife biology, wetland science, or aquatic habitats
- Significant experience with fieldwork in diverse natural habitats
- Strong knowledge of Mid-Atlantic flora (Flora of Virginia and other references)
- Technical writing proficiency and strong documentation skills
- Field ready: able to work independently and in challenging outdoor conditions
- Willingness to travel as needed (overnight and occasionally extended field stays)
- Excellent critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Strong attention to detail with a collaborative, adaptable mindset
- Client-focused with an entrepreneurial drive and the ability to build long-term relationships
- Wetland and stream delineations
- Section 404/401 and state environmental permitting
- Rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys
- Plant identification and vegetation inventory
- GPS, mobile data collection, and environmental data management
- GIS, geodatabases, and mapmaking
- Environmental research, data analysis, and technical reporting
- Regulatory coordination and environmental strategy development
- Environmental permit support and preparation
- Task and project management, including scope and budget
- Proposal preparation and business development
- Client relationship management and strategic outreach
Nice To Haves
- Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) or Virginia State Waters Delineator (VSWD) certification preferred
Responsibilities
- Participate in the planning and execution of natural resource inventories, jurisdictional determinations, alternatives analysis, impact assessments, and environmental permitting.
- Assist with mentorship for entry level staff, supporting both technical development and consulting acumen.
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (planning, engineering, architecture, design) on projects from concept to construction.
- Represent VHB with clients, agencies, and stakeholders in a variety of settings.
- Assist with pursuits for new business opportunities through existing relationships and proactive outreach.
- Contribute to strategic pursuits, proposal development, and presentations.
- Assist in developing and implementing business development plans to grow environmental services in Virginia and North Carolina.
Benefits
- Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
- Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
- Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
- Focus on learning, development, and career growth
- Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
