Senior Environmental Scientist

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose!

At Verdantas, we’re redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure.

Our commitment to excellence, across more than 90 offices, is championed by a team of over 2,000 experts, scientists, engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture, prioritizing the well-being of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. We don’t just solve problems; we help shape a more sustainable future.

Join a people-first culture that values your well-being, empowers your growth, and amplifies your impact. At Verdantas, your career goes beyond the expected, and your work helps build a better world.

Ready to shape the future of resilient communities?

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of a Team Leader, a Senior Scientist will act as our Project Manager/Senior Project Manager who performs most ecological consulting tasks independently with a high degree of technical and professional skill and knowledge, conducts specialized field studies and analysis, mentors less experienced team members, and provides senior review, advice, and oversight of technical work products.

Collecting and Analyzing Data

• Conducting desktop assessments of special-status species, wetlands, waters, and other sensitive biological resources

• Conducting biological reconnaissance surveys, habitat evaluations, habitat mapping, species-specific surveys, nesting bird surveys, botanical inventories, impact assessments, and mitigation monitoring

• Conducting environmental training for construction personnel on field projects

• Conducting biological compliance monitoring

• Preparing daily survey and monitoring reports and more complex technical reports

• Implementing habitat and species restoration, enhancement, or management projects

• Using various tools and methods (e.g. GPS, GIS, binoculars, cameras, aerial surveys, statistics, and specialized software and databases) to conduct biological resource assessments and impact analyses

• Conducting literature reviews

• Working independently on most projects, including complex ones

Preparing Written Communications and Reports

• Preparing written communications, including emails

• Preparing reports for pre-activity surveys, pre-construction surveys, and biological compliance monitoring

• Preparing complex technical reports and applications for regulatory permits

Managing Projects

• Reviewing and understanding the scope, schedule, and budget of work to be completed

• Coordinating activities and work products with other team members

• Providing and demonstrating task instructions to assigned team members

• Monitoring project progress

• Meeting deadlines

• Following up with stakeholders on the completion or delay of project phases

• Preparing and sending project and internal correspondence

• Scheduling, attending, or facilitating project meetings

• Maintaining project documents and reports

• Taking initiative, resolving issues, and identifying improved procedures to ensure client needs are met effectively

• Developing, documenting, and continuously refining project systems and processes

• Preparing proposals, including scopes and budgets

• Ensuring excellent customer service at all levels

Leading a Team

• Serving assigned team members as their primary point of contact at the Company, including for daily field check-ins and check-outs

• Ensuring assigned team members have the tools and skills necessary to perform their roles effectively and satisfy their agreements at the Company

• Coaching less experienced team members to help build and strengthen their technical and professional skillsets

• Providing routine performance feedback to assigned team members

• Ensuring team members follow Company policies and procedures

What else does this position involve?

• Providing oversight, guidance, and direction for less experienced team members

• Coordinating and communicating with construction staff and management to facilitate workflow and ensure compliance with environmental requirements

• Identifying potential areas of service improvement; recommending and assisting with developing appropriate solutions

• Participating in prospective team member interviews

• Participating in manager meetings

• Providing oversight and support for team members working in the office

• Ensuring a safe, secure, and legal work environment

• Performing other tasks and projects as assigned to ensure the overall health and success of the Company

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, or related field required

• Advanced degree (M.S., M.A., M.E.M., or Ph.D.) or professional certificate (e.g., GIS, P.M.P.) preferred

• Strong knowledge of California flora and fauna

• 8 or more years or more of professional experience in the biological sciences, including strong field skills and experience, required

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• The ability to work independently and be highly responsive to the team

• Ability to use and proficiency with various tools and methods (e.g. Google Earth, GPS, GIS, binoculars, cameras, aerial surveys, statistics, and specialized software and databases) to help conduct biological resource assessments and impact analyses

• Ability to maintain internal motivation for continuous learning

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude toward the work we do, places in which we work, and the people we work for and with

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain a good driving record

Salary Range:

95,000-150,000

Benefits: