Environmental Scientist

WithersRavenel is hiring an Environmental Scientist I in Asheville, NC, to support Environmental Assessments and Natural Resources services. The role involves fieldwork, data analysis, technical reporting, and regulatory compliance. Candidates should have 1-3 years of relevant experience and a degree in Environmental Science or related fields. Key skills include technical writing, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a consulting environment.
Description

WithersRavenel is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Environmental Scientist I to support our growing Environmental practice in Western North Carolina. This role blends responsibilities across both Environmental Assessments and Natural Resources services, offering a dynamic opportunity to contribute to fieldwork, data analysis, technical reporting, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of experience conducting Phase I/II ESAs and/or natural resource assessments such as wetland delineations or habitat surveys. A passion for environmental stewardship, a proactive work ethic, and the flexibility to adapt in a consulting environment are essential for success in this role.

Fieldwork & Environmental Assessments
• Conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), including site inspections, historical research, and environmental sampling (soil, groundwater, surface water, vapor).
• Assist with wetland and stream delineations, riparian buffer determinations, and habitat assessments including threatened and endangered species surveys.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain field equipment (e.g., GPS units, water quality meters, sampling tools).
• Perform field reconnaissance and oversee subcontractor activities such as drilling, remediation, or well installation.
• Prepare detailed field notes, photographs, chain-of-custody documentation, and health and safety records.

Reporting & Data Management
• Analyze and interpret environmental data to support reporting and regulatory decision-making.
• Draft technical reports including Phase I/II ESAs, sampling summaries, and natural resource assessments.
• Support the preparation of permit applications (e.g., 404/401, buffer authorizations, endangered species surveys).
• Process and integrate GPS and GIS data into CAD base files for project deliverables.

Compliance & Collaboration
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., ASTM, NCDEQ, USEPA).
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies and attend on-site meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure efficient and accurate project execution.
• Assist with inventory, maintenance of field equipment, and emergency response support.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.

Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Ecology, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in environmental consulting, natural resource assessments, or ESAs.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass an MVR records check.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Strong work ethic with the ability to be a self-starter, working independently and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and ability to complete tasks within designated deadlines and budgets
• Ability to respond to requests from clients as directed by Project Manager in a timely manner.
• Ability to travel and work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.

Preferred:
• Current 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification.
• Working knowledge of ASTM Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) standards and relevant regulatory requirements for wetlands, stream buffers, and protected species assessments.
• Proficiency or familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam.

Why WR? WithersRavenel is looking for people who are passionate about collaboration, community, and client success. Your reward for sharing your talent with us? OWNERSHIP. As a 100% employee-owned company, every employee is an owner—which adds a powerful and unique dimension to our vibrant company culture and purposeful work. Our employee owners say they love a lot of things about WithersRavenel, but the things most often cited are:
• our amazing people and team-first atmosphere,
• our focus on the professional development and growth of our staff, and
• our commitment to the communities in which we work and live.

Learn more about our benefits and employee ownership!
Bring your talent and collaborative spirit and join our team of employee owners at WithersRavenel!

WithersRavenel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, military service, or other non-merit factors protected by federal, state, or local laws. At WithersRavenel, we strive to build and nurture a culture where diversity, inclusivity, and belonging are a normal part of doing business, not an initiative. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results. By hiring highly talented people who align with our Core Values, we continue to enrich and broaden our ownership community, as well as the employee and client experience. This purposeful approach to diversity and inclusion leads to greater commitment, collaboration, and effectiveness in our culture, work, and lives.