Senior Environmental Scientist (Transportation Permitting Focus)

Olsson Associates is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist in Phoenix, AZ, focusing on transportation permitting. The role involves ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, managing transportation projects, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Candidates should have extensive experience in environmental science and project management, particularly in transportation. The position emphasizes teamwork, mentoring, and public engagement, contributing to sustainable project outcomes.
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 assist our clients in proactively navigating complex regulatory processes. Our expertise lies in implementing the latest and most effective methods for project management and maintaining regulatory compliance. 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 (Arizona Department of Transportation [ADOT], Arizona Game and Fish (AZGF), Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), 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.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Navigate complex federal, state, and local regulations.
• Interface with agencies (e.g., ADOT, FHWA, State Historic Preservation Office [SHPO], USACE, USFWS) to secure necessary reviews and guidance.
• Keep abreast of evolving environmental law.
• Public Engagement and Outreach:
• Organize public meetings, workshops, and hearings.
• Solicit community input to shape projects.
• Communicate project details transparently.
• Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work:
• Collaborate with engineers, architects, and urban planners.
• Integrate environmental considerations into project design.
• Facilitate cross-disciplinary teamwork.
• Project Management:
• Manage transportation projects from inception to completion.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with subconsultants, clients and agencies.
• Mentoring and Field Work:
• Mentor colleagues on complex tasks.
• Conduct field observations and site visits.

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:
• Transportation project experience and coordination with FHWA and/or state department of transportation.
• Arizona specific project experience.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.
• Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
• Degree in environmental science, urban planning, or biological/scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of environmental experience.
• 5+ years of transportation project experience.
• Strong work ethic, problem solver, and ability to work independently.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration experience.
• Experience reviewing projects for environmental regulatory compliance.
• Public and stakeholder engagement.
• Project management experience.

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.

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