Assistant Environmental Scientist - Natural & Cultural Resources (Downers Grove)

Burns & McDonnell - Downers Grove, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Downers Grove, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Assistant Environmental Scientist will play a crucial role in supporting environmental and siting studies, which are essential for various projects including high-voltage transmission line routing, power generation construction activities, and water treatment facilities. This position involves assisting in the preparation of permitting applications and analyzing environmental data to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards. The role requires conducting field surveys and assessments, collecting project-related data, and analyzing this data for environmental impact projects. In addition to fieldwork, the Assistant Environmental Scientist will assist in the preparation of technical reports, environmental impact statements, and environmental field studies. A significant part of the job will involve utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) data for map production, adhering to industry standards and best practices. The candidate will also support environmental site investigations, assist with erosion control efforts, and conduct subsurface soil sampling. The position includes responsibilities for conducting environmental compliance audits and preparing a variety of permitting applications, such as those related to air quality, land use, and cultural resources. The Assistant Environmental Scientist will support site selection studies and the preparation of related documentation under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Ensuring compliance with company and site safety policies is paramount, and the candidate will be expected to perform other duties as assigned while adhering to all company policies and standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting environmental and siting studies for various projects.
• Prepare permitting applications and analyze environmental data.
• Conduct field surveys, assessments, and collect project-related data for environmental impact projects.
• 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 and assist in 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 and comply with all policies and standards.

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.
• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.