Assistant Environmental Scientist - Natural Resources (Minneapolis)

Burns & McDonnell

Full-time - Entry Level

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Assistant Environmental Scientist will play a crucial role in supporting environmental and siting studies across various projects throughout the United States. This position involves preparing permitting applications and analyzing environmental data in sectors such as oil and gas, electric transmission, and renewable energy. The successful candidate will assist in the preparation of technical reports, environmental impact statements, and conduct environmental field studies. A significant part of the role includes utilizing GIS data for map production, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices. In addition to technical report preparation, the Assistant Environmental Scientist will perform environmental site investigations, support erosion control efforts, and conduct subsurface soil sampling. The role also encompasses conducting environmental compliance audits and preparing a variety of permitting applications, including those related to air quality, land use, and cultural resources. The candidate will support site selection studies and assist in the preparation of documentation required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Fieldwork is a key component of this position, as the Assistant Environmental Scientist will conduct surveys, assessments, and collect project-related data for analysis in environmental impact projects. Ensuring compliance with company and site safety policies is paramount, and the candidate will be expected to adhere to all relevant policies and standards while performing other assigned duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting environmental and siting studies for various projects.
• Prepare permitting applications and analyze environmental data.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports and environmental impact statements.
• Conduct environmental field studies and site investigations.
• Support erosion control efforts and perform subsurface soil sampling.
• Conduct environmental compliance audits and prepare related documentation.
• Utilize GIS data for map production in accordance with industry standards.
• Support site selection studies and prepare NEPA documentation.
• Conduct field surveys and collect project-related data for analysis.
• 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.
• Prior internship or natural science field experience is 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 and meet standards for vehicle driving privileges.

Nice-to-haves

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