Senior Environmental Planner / Scientist
About The Position
Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP (WRA) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Environmental Project Scientist / Planner with a strong technical background to join their growing team in Virginia. The role involves leading projects through federal and state environmental permitting processes, providing strategic guidance on natural resource and ecological issues, and working closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate is a seasoned environmental professional with expertise in wetland science, protected species, permitting, environmental compliance, and natural resource management, ready to lead projects, mentor staff, and support the growth of WRA’s environmental practice. Experience with regulatory processes for linear projects, including transportation, and GIS applications is preferred. This position is ideal for a professional who enjoys combining technical excellence with client development and market growth.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
- 20+ years of experience managing environmental permitting, natural resource, ecological assessment, and compliance projects, including permitting strategy development, environmental reviews, and ecological resource studies. Significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the stated years of experience.
- Professional certification such as Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) and Virginia State Waters Delineator (VSWD)Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or Professional Engineer (PE).
- Experience coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and other applicable agencies.
- Experience mentoring, training, and managing staff.
- Ability to develop and manage scope, manhour and fee estimate, schedules.
- Ability to effectively communicate orally/written at all levels of the organization and with external parties.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with work shared across multiple offices.
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Nice To Haves
- Experience or strong familiarity with regulatory processes and applications as they pertain to linear projects, including transportation, and GIS applications.
- USFWS approved surveyor for one or more species.
- Graduate degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Planning, or a related discipline.
Responsibilities
- Lead business development, marketing, and proposal pursuits to support continued growth of WRA’s Environmental Practice in Virginia and the mid Atlantic.
- Develop permitting strategies and coordinate environmental reviews for transportation, Building Design, Water / Wastewater, Marine, and Civil/Land Development projects.
- Prepare and review technical reports, permit applications, environmental documentation, and regulatory compliance materials.
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews to ensure high-quality project delivery.
- Provide oversight, mentorship, and staff management as part of the WRA Environmental Discipline leadership team.
- Identify and support client growth and project pursuits.
- Lead environmental efforts for all projects, from planning through construction.
- Work collaboratively across disciplines.
Benefits
- Flexible work schedule options
- Competitive salary
- Leave accrual and paid holidays
- Healthcare benefits
- Group Life Insurance, as well as additional optional life Insurance, short and long term disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursement
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Parental and maternity leave benefits
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
