Scientist

ERM•Richmond, DC

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

ERM is seeking a Senior Consultant, Environmental Biologist/Ecologist/Scientist to join its Environmental Impact Assessment team in Richmond, Virginia. The role supports environmental permitting, impact assessment, and regulatory compliance for infrastructure, renewable energy, power, technology, oil and gas, and land development projects. The Senior Consultant leads field investigations, provides technical expertise, prepares environmental analyses and documentation, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to help clients advance projects responsibly while protecting ecological resources. The position includes frequent field assignments, approximately 50% to 60% of the time, and requires working outdoors in varied climate and weather conditions as well as travel to client locations across a large geographic area. The role offers opportunities to develop technical specialization and progress toward project management or leadership pathways. The position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. The anticipated annual base pay is $80,100–$102,400 USD. Actual pay depends on factors including education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. The role may be eligible for discretionary bonus pay, subject to ERM policies. Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in environmental science, biology, natural resources, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
2–4 years of relevant environmental experience or professional internships; 5 years preferred.
Strong commitment to safety.
Willingness and desire to support field assignments 50% to 60% of the time.
Willingness to work outdoors in varied climate and weather conditions.
Working knowledge of plant identification, soil sampling and hydric soil identification, and hydrology indicators.
Experience performing wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.
Detail-oriented, with critical thinking and troubleshooting/problem-solving skills.
Effective written and verbal communication, organization, and analytical skills.
Experience recording and writing detailed technical data and reports, and building, tabulating, and manipulating data in tables and spreadsheets.
Ability to collaborate with experts throughout a project lifecycle and engage in multifaceted, dynamic situations.
Ability to multitask, remain flexible, travel, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Team-oriented, eager to learn and grow, self-starting, versatile, and service-oriented approach.
High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
Valid driver’s license and/or ability to operate a company vehicle; duties include frequent travel to client locations across a large geographical area.
Not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting environmental permitting and compliance involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and state or local regulatory agencies.
Experience contributing to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Experience supporting renewable energy, transmission, pipeline, facility siting, land development, or other capital infrastructure projects.
Experience with environmental due diligence, habitat assessments, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, permit matrices, and environmental risk assessments.
Wetland Delineation Training.
Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) or Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification.

Responsibilities

Perform wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.
Lead field-based wetland delineations and protected species assessments.
Provide technical analyses in the employee’s area of specialization and support analyses outside that area in collaboration with subject matter experts.
Provide technical assistance on capital infrastructure and other projects, including environmental assessments and impact statements under NEPA, environmental due diligence, habitat assessments, wetland delineations and reports, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, and related environmental documents.
Conduct field surveys; collect and organize field survey data; perform research and literature reviews; write reports; and develop client strategies and recommendations.
Conduct environmental assessment tasks involving land-use planning and facility siting, pipeline and transmission routing studies, renewable energy assessments and reporting, permit matrices, and risk assessments.
Assist with project-specific compliance management plans in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Prepare multimedia permitting and compliance documentation, particularly involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and state and local agencies.
Meet quality, budget, schedule, and scope expectations while developing an understanding of project management responsibilities.
Support ERM Partners-in-Charge and Project Managers in delivering client value and building trusted client relationships.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify practical, science-based solutions and help clients manage environmental risks.