Project Environmental Specialist 1

GAI Consultants is seeking an individual with 10+ years of experience to provide advanced experience and team leadership in environmental studies and permitting and/or siting studies. The Senior Project Environmental Specialist's primary work responsibility will be to provide task leadership for siting, permitting, and documentation efforts relating to environmental resources for electric transmission projects. This position will work under the direction of a Project Manager. The Project Environmental Specialist 1 will also be responsible for coordination with clients and regulatory agencies, proposal preparation and cost estimating, and quality control reviews.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead transmission line siting investigation tasks and prepare siting documentation for regulatory review.
• Lead environmental resource investigation tasks and prepare permit applications and associated environmental reports.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate environmental field surveys including but not limited to wetland and stream delineations, endangered species surveys, environmental inspections, and compliance monitoring.
• Strong technical writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must be able to travel, including overnight trips. Travel is estimated to occur monthly, but may vary. Travel to clients, projects, and meetings in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest (up to 20%).
• Provide status and progress reports to customers, project teams, and management.
• Coordinate implementation and compliance with safety protocols and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Experience in siting and/or environmental studies and permitting.
• Experience in preparing siting documentation for state or federal regulatory agencies preferred.
• Experience in preparing Section 404/401 and Section 10 permit applications. Experience with state permitting requirements (including waterbody, floodplain, and SWPPP permits) in OH, WV, VA, KY, TN, MD, NJ, or PA.
• Technical expertise and experience in an environmental or socioeconomic field.

Preferred

• Experience in wetland delineation, function and value assessment, mitigation design, endangered species surveys, and/or GIS applications is a plus.
• Experience conducting ORAM, HHEI/QHEI and/or Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional evaluations a plus.

General Characteristics

• Begins assisting Task Managers and Project Manager as needed on technical aspects of the project; well-rounded in aspects of consulting and the industry.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 10+ Years of Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences or similar field of study

Certification/Licensure

• Driver’s License required

Technical Responsibilities

• Begins to learn specialized knowledge in the environmental sciences gained through advanced degree or extensive experience in the field: Oversight of task managers'; Coordination of project tasks; Reviews project documents; Carries out complex assignments requiring industry-current techniques or procedures; Agency and subconsultant interface; Focus on data analysis, interpretation, and review; Serves as a peer advisor with regards to area of specialization; mentors junior staff.

Project and Task Management

• Begins to perform task management.

Management Responsibility

• Begins to assist with the supervision of technical studies within assigned tasks; Can serve as task manager on small to medium tasks requiring specialized technical expertise; Maintains GAI's procedures and protocols; Assists with identifying and scoping technical studies required for projects.
• Guidance and oversight from Project Managers and task managers in specific environmental areas.

Communication Skills

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills; interacts well with other staff; interacts with Project and Task Managers and various Department Managerial Staff, interacts with clients on technical issues at regular project meetings.

Why GAI?

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Market based, competitive compensation
• Performance driven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work–Life Balance

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications