Early Career Environmental Scientist

Our Business

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change.

As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an  Early Career Environmental Scientist to join the Earth & Environment Team in the  Wilmington, NC office. This entry-level position provides an opportunity to join a fast-paced team that provides solutions on environmental projects. The work entails a combination of field and office-related activities, with a need to carefully follow instructions, document activities, work as part of a team and requires problem solving and proactive communication.

Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the collection, identification, and compilation of observational and spatial data concerning a variety of biological, physical, and earth sciences. Provides local assistance for the development of processes and infrastructure relating to water supply, air emission, pollution control, cultural impact, and preserving the quality of the environment by identifying, controlling, and preventing disruption to environmental systems and species caused by human activity. Generates accurate and concise documentation, ensuring that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact

• Assist with a variety of natural resources support activities:
  • jurisdictional wetland delineations and protected species surveys.
  • assessment of potential impacts to wetlands and/or protected species.
  • environmental oversight during construction to ensure compliance with permit conditions, and wetland and stream mitigation and ecological restoration monitoring.
• Support for preparation of regulatory permitting applications (eg, US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404, Section 7 Endangered Species Act Coordination, Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act Coordination, etc.)
• Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys collecting observational, spatial, and environmental data.
• Under general supervision, collect and compile samples of air, soil, water, sludge, and other matrices for analysis.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
• Assist with performing basic professional environmental science work relating to ecological systems, air, and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
• Utilize the latest technologies and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• 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.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
• 0-1 years of relevant work experience.
• Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species/discipline.
• Familiar with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to adhere 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.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), mobile GPS field data collection and mapping technologies.
• Proficiency with ESRI Software (including ArcGIS, ArcMap, ArcCatalog) and/or AutoCAD is a plus.