Assistant Environmental Scientist - Natural & Cultural Resources (Omaha)

Burns & McDonnell - Omaha, NE

Full-time - Entry Level

Omaha, NE

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 analyzing this data for environmental impact projects. The Assistant Environmental Scientist will also assist in the preparation of technical reports, environmental impact statements, and environmental field studies, ensuring that all documentation meets industry standards and best practices. In addition to data analysis, the role requires the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for map production, supporting erosion control efforts, and conducting subsurface soil sampling. The Assistant Environmental Scientist will be involved in performing environmental compliance audits and preparing a wide variety of permitting applications, including those related to air quality, land use, and cultural resources. The position also supports site selection studies and the preparation of related documentation under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A strong emphasis is placed on ensuring compliance with company and site safety policies, as well as adhering to all relevant environmental regulations and standards. The Assistant Environmental Scientist will be expected to perform other duties as assigned and comply with all company policies and standards. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those with entry-level experience in environmental science or related fields, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and impactful area of work.

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 to collect project-related data.
• Prepare technical reports, environmental impact statements, and environmental field studies.
• Utilize GIS data for map production in accordance with industry standards.
• Perform environmental site investigations and support erosion control efforts.
• Conduct subsurface soil sampling and environmental compliance audits.
• Prepare a variety of permitting applications, including air, land use, and cultural resources permitting.
• Support site selection studies and prepare related NEPA documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's 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 Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with environmental compliance audits.
• Familiarity with GIS software and data analysis.
• Previous experience in environmental impact assessments.