Senior Environmental Scientist (Hybrid)

Olsson is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable transportation projects. Responsibilities include managing projects, liaising with regulatory agencies, and mentoring team members. The role requires collaboration with engineers and public engagement. Candidates must be located in specific cities including Des Moines, IA, indicating a hybrid work model rather than fully remote.
Company Description

We are Olsson, a team-based, purpose-driven engineering and design firm. Our solutions improve communities and our people make it possible.

Our most meaningful asset is our people, and we are dedicated to providing an environment where they can continue to learn, grow, and thrive. Our entrepreneurial spirit is what has allowed us — and will continue to allow us — to grow. The result? Inspired people, amazing designs, and projects with purpose.

Job Description

At Olsson, we help our clients to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with ease. We ensure proactive compliance with key environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Our approach and use of the latest and best methods help clients achieve their project goals while protecting our natural resources.

As a Senior Environmental Scientist, your role is multifaceted and critical in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and promoting sustainable transportation projects. You may manage projects, work with regulators (state department of transportation [ADOT], state game and fish, state department of environmental quality, Federal Highway Administration [FHWA], U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [USACE], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS]), coordinate with clients, and collaborate with team members. You may also mentor and train others on complex work and lead client and regulatory meetings.

Join us and be part of a team that’s making a real impact!

Your key responsibilities include:

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Developing required transportation NEPA documentation: Categorical Exclusion, Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Statement, interfacing with agencies (e.g., lead federal agency, state agencies, State Historic Preservation Office [SHPO], USACE, USFWS) to secure necessary reviews and guidance, and coordinating a multidisciplinary team (telecom, water resources, transportation).

Regulatory Compliance: Navigating federal, state, and local regulations, and liaising with agencies like DOT, FHWA, USACE, and USFWS, and keeping a pulse of evolving environmental law. Attaining necessary permits and clearances (Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Section 404 Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act

Public Engagement and Outreach: Organizing public meetings and workshops and gathering community input, soliciting community input to shape projects, communicating project details transparently, and effectively engaging stakeholders.

Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: Engaging with engineers, architects, and urban planners to integrate environmental considerations and facilitating cross disciplinary work.

Project Management: Overseeing transportation projects from start to finish, managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables, and coordinating with subconsultant, clients and agencies.

Comprehensive Background In: Environmental regulatory compliance, transportation projects and coordination with FHWA or state DOT.

We have one opportunity and will consider candidates interested in being located in Phoenix, AZ, Omaha, NE, Lincoln, NE, Des Moines, IA, or Kansas City, KS.

Qualifications

You are passionate about:
• Working collaboratively with others.
• Having ownership in the work you do.
• Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:
• Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, urban planning, or biological/scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of environmental experience.
• 5+ years of transportation project experience.
• Solid work ethic, problem solver, and ability to work independently.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.
• Passion for guiding, training, and passing on knowledge to colleagues.

Additional Information

Olsson is a nationally recognized, employee-owned firm specializing in planning and design, engineering, field services, environmental, and technology. Founded in 1956 on the very mindset that drives us today, we’re here to improve communities by making them more sustainable, better connected, and more efficient. Simply put, we work to leave the world better than we found it.

As an Olsson employee, you’ll receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.), plus you’ll:
• Become an owner in the company after your first year through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Engage in work that has a positive impact in communities
• Receive an excellent 401(k) match
• Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
• Benefit from a bonus system that rewards performance
• Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements

Olsson is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.