Senior Water Resources Scientist

Geosyntec Consultants•Raleigh, NC

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

Geosyntec Consultants is seeking a Senior Water Resources Scientist to join their expanding national Water Resources Practice. This position can be based in their Raleigh, NC office, or any of their other U.S. offices, with the potential for remote work at the company's discretion. The role involves providing technical leadership and project management for municipal stormwater and watershed programs. Responsibilities include advising public agency clients on Clean Water Act and NPDES/MS4 permit requirements, leading TMDL planning and implementation, supporting regulatory negotiations, and coordinating multi-jurisdictional watershed efforts. The scientist will translate complex technical and regulatory requirements into actionable compliance strategies, stakeholder communications, and documentation. The focus is on leadership in permitting, planning, and compliance for clients in the water sector. Geosyntec is an international engineering and consulting firm known for its technical leadership and client service, serving private and public-sector clients on environmental, natural resources, and civil infrastructure projects. They invest in their people, offering competitive pay, benefits, and well-being programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Civil/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related subject.
At least 8 years (10+ years preferred) of professional experience supporting municipal stormwater, NPDES/MS4, watershed, and/or TMDL programs (consulting and/or public agency); or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working knowledge of the Federal Clean Water Act and NPDES program; demonstrated experience interpreting and implementing MS4 permit requirements.
Demonstrated ability to develop clear, defensible technical deliverables (reports, memoranda, regulatory submittals) and present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience facilitating meetings and coordinating multi-agency or multi-stakeholder groups.
Strong project management skills, including scope/budget/schedule management, prioritization, and client communications.
Proficiency with common office software and data/document management practices.
Effective oral, written communication, and technical writing skills.
Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Environmental Science/Management, Water Resources, or a related discipline.
Professional credential(s) relevant to sustainability or infrastructure (e.g., Envision Sustainability Professional) and/or stormwater-related certifications.
Experience developing alternative compliance demonstrations and supporting negotiations/approvals with Regional Water Quality Control Boards or similar regulators.
Experience with watershed-based permits/WQIPs, coordinated integrated monitoring programs, and regional collaboration frameworks.
Grant writing success for stormwater planning and capital improvement projects (e.g., state propositions, IRWM, regional safe/clean water programs).
Experience developing and delivering training programs and public outreach campaigns.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic technical and regulatory guidance to municipal clients on MS4 permit compliance, stormwater program administration, and watershed/TMDL obligations.
Develop and document compliance approaches (including alternative/innovative demonstrations) and support permitting decisions through defensible technical analysis.
Prepare high-quality regulatory submittals, including comment letters, technical memoranda, progress reports, and compliance documentation.
Deliver oral testimony and represent client interests in public meetings, workshops, and regulatory proceedings.
Coordinate watershed management groups and multi-stakeholder collaborations: develop agendas, facilitate meetings, document decisions, and drive follow-through on joint commitments.
Develop memoranda of agreement and funding frameworks for shared monitoring and capital improvement initiatives across participating agencies.
Perform technical review of receiving water and outfall monitoring reports; interpret data and identify implications for compliance, prioritization, and program improvements.
Support clients and legal counsel in analyzing and responding to regulatory enforcement actions, including development of supporting evidence and resolution strategies.
Prepare grant applications and supporting technical narratives for stormwater capital improvement projects and regional funding programs; coordinate inputs and schedules across partners.
Track program activities, budgets, and expenditures; develop annual and multi-year work plans and performance/progress reports, including support for audits and oversight reviews.
Develop and deliver training for municipal staff and partners on MS4 permit requirements, implementation tools, and field compliance practices.
Create public outreach materials for print and digital distribution (including web and social media) to support stormwater education and community engagement.
Effectively steward and building client relationships to earn repeat business.
Help broaden our reputation via publishing and visibility at prominent industry conferences.
Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.