Environmental Planner / Field Biologist

This Opportunity

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. Across the world, the importance of ethical environmental systems and projects are the foundation of shaping the future of our environment. Through public consultancy, strategic planning practices and stakeholder engagement, we can provide clients a concrete and realistic understanding of a project’s impact.
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

• Assists 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.
• Conduces 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 
• Coordination, preparation, and submittal of regulatory development applications and other land use planning for energy, transportation, or government projects with supervision
• Maintains and designs 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

• Conducts 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.
• Prepares technical memoranda, documentation, and reports under supervision 
• Responsible for understanding 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 
• 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.