Assistant Environmental Scientist - Natural & Cultural Resources (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Assistant Environmental Scientist will play a crucial role in supporting environmental and siting studies, as well as preparing permitting applications and analyzing environmental data for a variety of projects. These projects may include high-voltage transmission line routing, power generation construction activities, and water treatment facilities. The position involves conducting field surveys and assessments, collecting project-related data, and assisting in the analysis of this data for environmental impact projects. The Assistant Environmental Scientist will also be responsible for preparing technical reports, environmental impact statements, and conducting environmental field studies. In addition to these responsibilities, the role requires the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for map production, ensuring that all outputs adhere to industry standards and best practices. The Assistant Environmental Scientist will assist in performing environmental site investigations, support erosion control efforts, and conduct subsurface soil sampling. Compliance is a key aspect of this role, as the individual will assist in conducting environmental compliance audits and preparing a variety of permitting applications, including those related to air, land use, and cultural resources. Furthermore, the position supports site selection studies and the preparation of related National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, ensuring that all activities comply with company and site safety policies. The Assistant Environmental Scientist will also be expected to perform other duties as assigned and comply with all relevant policies and standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting environmental and siting studies.
• Prepare permitting applications for various projects.
• Analyze environmental data for high-voltage transmission line routing, power generation construction activities, and water treatment facilities.
• Conduct field surveys and assessments, collecting project-related data for analysis.
• Prepare technical reports, environmental impact statements, and environmental field studies.
• Utilize GIS data for map production in accordance with standards and industry best practices.
• Perform environmental site investigations and support erosion control efforts.
• Conduct subsurface soil sampling.
• Assist in conducting environmental compliance audits.
• Prepare a wide variety of permitting applications such as air, land use, and cultural resources permitting.
• Support site selection studies and preparation of related NEPA documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Environmental Science or a related natural science degree from an accredited program required.
• Prior internship or natural science field experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate both verbal and written technical information.
• Basic knowledge of environmental site assessment methods.
• Basic knowledge of environmental compliance and compliance audits.
• Basic knowledge of the environmental permitting process.
• Basic knowledge of GPS and working in the ArcGIS desktop environment.
• Proficient in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country where this position is located.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior internship or natural science field experience preferred.
• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.