Senior Project Environmental Scientist

GFT • Orlando, FL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Senior Project Environmental Scientist to join its growing Environmental Team, based in Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, or Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The role supports high-profile infrastructure projects across transportation, transit and rail, water and wastewater, power, and other sectors. The scientist works with environmental scientists, planners, project managers, clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver environmental assessments, permitting, and related project work.

The position includes collecting and reporting biological, ecological, water quality, soil, contamination, and hazardous materials data; wetland delineation and protected species surveys; GIS analysis and exhibit preparation; environmental impact assessments; and preparation of NEPA documentation and permit applications. The successful candidate will coordinate environmental work with engineering design, manage multidisciplinary project teams and subconsultants, support public involvement and regulatory consultations, and oversee project scopes, schedules, and budgets. The role also supports business development through proposals, technical workplans, and fee estimates.

This hybrid position offers opportunities for professional growth, specialized training, and leadership. The role requires travel and field assignments within Florida, sometimes involving overnight stays and early starts, and the ability to work in Florida’s outdoor environment. Core business hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Planning, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of practical experience in the natural environmental field, such as environmental resource permitting, federal Section 404 permitting, wetland surveys and assessments, protected species surveys, or preparing natural environmental documentation for NEPA compliance.
• Ability to travel and drive to company offices and complete field assignments within Florida, with occasional overnight stays; some days may require early starts.
• Public speaking capabilities for professional presentations and Q&A sessions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat applications; and file-sharing systems such as SharePoint.
• Demonstrated urgency and ability to transition regularly between multiple assignments while maintaining commitment to client satisfaction and project goals.
• Strong self-management, time-management, organizational, prioritization, and multitasking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, a team-oriented approach, and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in Florida’s challenging outdoor environment.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Planning, or a related area.
• Experience with both NEPA and environmental permitting.
• Knowledge of Florida ecological communities and classifications, and floral and faunal species.
• Practical experience with transportation, transit, and municipal infrastructure construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and drawings.
• Working knowledge of environmental regulatory requirements related to noise, historical resources, archaeology, air quality, land use, and listed species.
• Experience mentoring junior environmental staff.
• Flexibility to work in different environments and openness to working as in-house consultant staff for state agencies, in person or virtually.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, and report biological and natural sciences data, including information about habitats, wildlife, water quality, and soils, to support NEPA documents and permit applications.
• Delineate and characterize wetlands according to federal and state criteria.
• Conduct protected floral and faunal surveys.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on potential contamination and hazardous materials.
• Use ArcPro GIS for data collection, analysis, and compilation of data and report exhibits.
• Interpret relevant state and federal environmental legislation.
• Prepare environmental permit applications, including environmental resource permits, Section 404 and 408 permits, and local agency natural resource permits.
• Coordinate with engineering design teams to align technical and environmental workstreams.
• Direct and manage environmental and technical project teams, including subconsultants, during NEPA and permitting processes.
• Carry out public involvement activities, including public and technical meetings, communication materials, stakeholder responses, and comment tracking.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies and assist with consultation strategies and meeting materials.
• Prepare environmental impact assessments, including effects assessments, mitigation and monitoring strategies, net effects analyses, and best management practice approaches.
• Monitor project schedules, scopes, and budgets in accordance with project management plans.
• Coordinate environmental project elements through planning, design, contract specifications, and/or construction.
• Support business development, including proposal preparation, technical workplans, and project fee estimates.

Benefits

• Hybrid in-person and remote work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Access to internal and external training programs and support for participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

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