Description
At WSP, we are inspired by bringing together the right people to be a part of future-focused business objectives to support our vast client base.
As a world-wide leader of environmental and transportation consulting and planning services, we invite you to be a part of that vision.
Our Planning & Environment group is looking for an Environmental Planner / Field Biologist to support and add to our wide and diverse range of environmental planning services that enables future-ready growth.
Your Impact
Design
- Assist with the planning, development, and implementation of environmental projects to ensure that development projects comply with environmental laws and regulations under close supervision.
- Participate in planning studies and documents related to environmental planning, including National Environmental Policy Act documentation and/or other environmental planning documentation, figures and maps for environmental and transportation planning studies.
- Conduct biological evaluations in support of planning projects.
- Contribute to the natural resources portions of planning documents.
- Demonstrated commitment to keeping up-to-date in knowledge of current trends and planning practices.
- Coordinate, prepare, and submit regulatory development applications and other land use planning for energy, transportation, or government projects with supervision.
- Maintain and design project tracking mechanisms, process design, and record keeping.
- Assist with implementation of project development requirements with WSP personnel, outside contractors, and agency/tribal stakeholders.
Analyze
- Conduct data collection, research, field surveys, and technical work under supervision – up to 75% time spent traveling.
- Support land development projects with consideration given to the natural environment, social, political, and economic factors to achieve sustainable outcomes while following local, state, federal, and/or tribal environmental regulations and procedures.
- Prepare technical memoranda, documentation, and reports under supervision.
- Understand regulatory rules and rule changes.
Collaborate
- Begin to provide guidance to junior staff or interns to assist with project flow.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Collaborate on presentation material and ideas with other staff in preparation for public meetings or interactions.
- Participate in public and stakeholder engagement in a professional manner.
- Perform other duties as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science (Botany, Wildlife Biology, etc.), Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 1 to 3 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental field surveys for plants and animals, construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
- Proficiency with local plant and animal identification.
- Effective analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species required.
- Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
- Proficient technical writing skills.
- Proficient interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
- Experience with discipline-specific software (Microsoft Office Suite).
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Travel for 1-10 nights may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field.
- Exposure to ArcGIS.
- Experience working with tribal, federal, state, or local agencies or the public.
- May participate in and conduct field delineation of wetlands and waters of the US or other field or permitting activities.
- Experience conducting protocol surveys for special status species, particularly avian raptors and endangered plants.
- Familiarity with rules and regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Endangered Species Act; Migratory Bird Treaty Act; Clean Water Act; and state and local environmental rules and regulations and related reporting requirements (e.g., Environmental Assessments; Biological Assessments; Reclamation Plans; Pre-Construction Notifications; reclamation and restoration regulations).
- Eager to participate in land management to promote responsible, sustainable development of oil and gas projects, renewable energy infrastructure, roads and bridges, and more.