Environmental Scientist

Actalent is seeking an Environmental Scientist to support a variety of field and office-based environmental projects, primarily focused on wetland delineations, forest stand delineations, tree assessments, Chesapeake Bay Area studies, and threatened and endangered species studies.

About the role

This position combines hands-on fieldwork with preparation of technical reports and maps using CAD. You will work under the supervision of mid-to-senior level staff, managing multiple projects to meet quality, budget, and schedule expectations in a small-team, family-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and applicable Regional Supplements.
• Assist in conducting forest stand delineations and tree assessments in urban environments.
• Support Chesapeake Bay Area studies and threatened and endangered species studies under guidance.
• Monitor stream and wetland mitigation banks, including field data collection and documentation.
• Prepare clear and accurate technical reports documenting field methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Create maps and figures in CAD to support environmental reports and project deliverables.
• Apply field techniques for wetland delineations, plant identification, soil sampling, and threatened and endangered species studies.
• Incorporate the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements (Eastern Mountains and Piedmont, Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Plain) into fieldwork and reporting.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining budget and schedule constraints while ensuring deliverables meet quality standards.
• Coordinate with project teams to integrate regulatory requirements into project planning and execution.
• Maintain accurate field notes, records, and data to support detailed technical reporting.
• Contribute to a collaborative, small-team environment with exposure to a broad range of environmental work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 2 years of relevant environmental consulting experience.
• Working knowledge of field techniques for wetland delineations, including application of the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements (Eastern Mountains and Piedmont, Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Plain).
• Demonstrated ability in plant identification in wetland and upland environments.
• Experience with soil sampling methods and interpretation of soil characteristics in the context of wetland delineation.
• Working knowledge of methods used in threatened and endangered species studies.
• Basic understanding of local, state, and federal regulatory regulations related to land development in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
• Experience in recording and writing detailed technical reports that clearly present field observations and analyses.
• Ability to prepare maps and project figures using CAD software.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining budget, schedule, and quality standards.

Skills

• Certified Arborist (ISA-CA) certification preferred.
• Experience with GIS software in addition to CAD for mapping and spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with wetland mitigation and wetland restoration concepts and practices.
• Understanding of ecological principles related to wetlands, streams, and forested habitats.
• Interest in obtaining additional professional certifications and expanding expertise across environmental disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaboration and client-ready deliverables.

Work Environment

This role operates within a small team of fewer than 20 people, offering a family-oriented, entrepreneurial atmosphere with close collaboration and exposure to a wide range of environmental work. The position involves a mix of field and office-based tasks, including outdoor work for wetland delineations, forest stand assessments, and mitigation bank monitoring, as well as office work for technical reports and CAD-based maps.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $48.08 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. If eligible, benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available).
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for employee and dependents).
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave).

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Chantilly, VA.