Environmental Scientist Lead

About the role

We are searching for an experienced Scientist Lead to join our growing Environmental group in Atlanta, GA; Jacksonville, FL; and Tampa, FL. The ideal candidate will serve as a Task Manager and field lead for environmental field studies, including delineation, sampling, inspection, data analysis, permit preparation, GIS mapping, and technical report writing. The successful candidate will also manage junior staff, ensure QA/QC of their work, support proposal development, and interface with clients. Projects span multiple markets and geographies, offering opportunities to broaden knowledge and deepen skill sets related to environmental science. We seek an independent self-starter with experience in Georgia Department of Transportation projects as a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental field studies, including wetland delineation, sampling, inspection, and data analysis.
• Prepare permits, GIS maps, and technical reports.
• Manage junior staff and ensure QA/QC of their work.
• Support proposal development and interface with clients.
• Deliver multiple environmental services projects simultaneously across various markets, clients, and states.
• Read and interpret construction plans (civil, roadway, pipeline, etc.).
• Travel and conduct fieldwork in challenging conditions (steep terrain, thick vegetation, inclement weather).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources, environmental engineering, environmental planning, or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 6–10 years of mid-senior level experience as an environmental consultant or regulatory specialist.
• Advanced knowledge of wetland science, flora/fauna, Southeastern US ecosystems, and environmental impact analysis.
• Proficiency with GIS and GPS mapping (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, or similar software).
• Physical ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging conditions.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Experience leading environmental tasks for Departments of Transportation (DOT), Energy, Renewables, Municipal, or Federal projects.
• Experience supervising junior to mid-level staff.
• Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight stays.
• Ability to work well in a team environment with a positive attitude, multitasking abilities, and self-motivation.

Qualifications

• Professional credentials such as American Institute of Certified Planners, Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Ecologist (CE), Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP), or Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) are a plus.
• Knowledge of additional ecoregions is preferred.

Pay

Many factors are considered when determining compensation at Pond, including scope and level of position, geographic location, candidate skill, knowledge, and experience. Starting base pay may vary depending on these factors. Additional cash incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, financial, and other benefits dependent on position offered.

About Pond

Pond is an award-winning, full-service architecture, engineering, planning, construction management, and environmental services firm providing professional solutions to clients throughout the U.S. and globally for nearly 60 years. With a staff of 800+ professionals, Pond offers deep bench strength and customized solutions to help clients manage projects from concept to completion. Pond is currently ranked as the 80th largest engineering and design firm by ENR, Atlanta’s #1 engineering firm by Atlanta Business Chronicle, and has been recognized as an Employer of the Year by Georgia ACEC and a Best Place to Work for Working Parents.

All Pond & Company positions require participation in at least one in-person interview as part of our hiring process, and most roles also require in-person onboarding at a Pond office location. Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory background check results and may also require a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.