Environmental Scientist

ABOUT THE POSITION

Environmental Scientist | Richmond, Williamsburg, or Virginia Beach, VA

VHB's growing Mid-Atlantic Environmental Services practice is seeking an Environmental Scientist with a strong background in natural resources and a passion for team leadership and business development. This individual will help lead and grow our Natural Sciences team, currently made up of junior and senior environmental scientists and GIS analysts across Virginia and North Carolina.

This is a strategic, client-facing role where you'll mentor staff, shape environmental strategies, and actively support client engagement and market growth. We are looking for someone who thrives in collaborative, multi-disciplinary environments and are excited to expand relationships across the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy sectors.

Core Competencies & Technical Expertise

Wetland and stream delineations
• Section 404/401 and state environmental permitting
• Rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys
• Plant identification and vegetation inventory
• GPS, mobile data collection, and environmental data management
• GIS, geodatabases, and mapmaking
• Environmental research, data analysis, and technical reporting
• Regulatory coordination and environmental strategy development
• Environmental permit support and preparation
• Task and project management, including scope and budget
• Proposal preparation and business development
• Client relationship management and strategic outreach

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the planning and execution of natural resource inventories, jurisdictional determinations, alternatives analysis, impact assessments, and environmental permitting.
• Serve as a mentor to entry level staff, supporting both technical development and consulting acumen.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (planning, engineering, architecture, design) on projects from concept to construction.
• Represent VHB with clients, agencies, and stakeholders in a variety of settings.
• Initiate and pursue new business opportunities through existing relationships and proactive outreach.
• Lead or contribute to strategic pursuits, proposal development, and presentations.
• Assist in developing and implementing business development plans to grow environmental services in Virginia and North Carolina.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong knowledge of Mid-Atlantic flora (Flora of Virginia and other references)
• Technical writing proficiency and strong documentation skills
• Field ready: able to work independently and in challenging outdoor conditions
• Willingness to travel as needed (overnight and occasionally extended field stays)
• Excellent critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail with a collaborative, adaptable mindset
• Client-focused with an entrepreneurial drive and the ability to build long-term relationships

Minimum Qualifications

• 5-8+ years of professional experience in environmental science or natural resources
• B.S. or B.A. in Environmental Science, Biology, Fisheries and Wildlife, Ecology, or Natural Resources (Master's preferred)
• Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) or Virginia State Waters Delineator (VSWD) certification preferred
• Coursework in plant identification, ecology, wildlife biology, wetland science, or aquatic habitats
• Significant experience with fieldwork in diverse natural habitats

We are VHB! We're an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We're growing, and we hope you'll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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