Environmental Scientist/Ecologist - Project Lead, Northwest Arkansas
Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our Stantec experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has a casual work atmosphere with a company that values creativity and hard work and is involved in diverse, world-class projects.
Your Opportunity
Stantec is seeking a qualified, self-motivated, and entrepreneurial Senior Ecologist / Environmental Project Manager to join our team. In this role, you will provide leadership in biological field surveys, report preparation, environmental regulatory and project permitting efforts and within 2 years provide project management, lead, mentor staff, and support business development opportunities. You will take the lead in preparing environmental documents pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 404 Permitting, working with environmental staff and engineering clients in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri and the Southeast. This position is based out of northwest Arkansas and ideal for a proven deputy project management professional who is seeking career expansion in a dynamic team environment.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the NEPA planning process and oversee all aspects of a project, including client contact, budget control and invoicing, schedule, personnel allocation/planning, technical approach, and subcontractor involvement
- Manage and Lead field teams during wetland delineation, listed species habitat and flora/fauna presence/absence surveys
- Coordinate regulatory/resource agencies and local governments
- Manage technical studies and ecological resource teams with assessments and various natural resource surveys
- Assist with the preparation of NEPA documentation including environmental impact statements (EISs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), Categorical Exclusions (CEs)
- Provide quality assurance and quality control for all final products to ensure technical accurateness and regulatory compliance
- Assist with current client relationships and development of new ones
- Maintain a high professional profile externally through membership in professional organizations, continually increasing client contact base
- Participate in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Policies, Procedures, Standards, and Guidelines in the execution of all work
- Provide technical direction and mentoring to developing staff
Your Capabilities and Credentials
- Thorough understanding of technical environmental impact analysis methods and sound knowledge of NEPA requirements and related environmental regulations (Sections 401, 402, and 404 of the Clean Water Act)
- Proven knowledge of environmental compliance requirements as they relate to public and private infrastructure (transportation, renewable energy, and oil/gas/energy) projects
- Working knowledge of agencies including BIA, BLM, USACE, USFWS, State DNR/DEP/DEQ/DOT, FERC, FHWA, FAA
- Demonstrated skill and commitment to QA/QC practices
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with experience presenting at public hearings and facilitating meetings with regulatory/resource agencies
- Experience with or willingness to manage multiple planning projects and ability to motivate self and others to overcome obstacles and achieve goals
- Demonstrated ability in collaborative problem-solving with stakeholders, clients, and teammates
- Proven leadership in striving to continuously improve technical performance
- Requires flexibility to travel as needed for project and fieldwork
- Must have a good driving record and a valid driver’s license
Education and Experience
A B.S. Degree in Natural Resources, Planning, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related discipline from an accredited university is required
Master’s Degree in pertinent field preferred
Minimum 5 years of experience required in environmental planning, assessment, and permitting
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather. Ability to lift and move items and equipment. Willingness to travel for project work and business development opportunities.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.