Who We Are

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring future-ready pioneers to innovate. We’re looking to grow our teams with people who are ready to collaborate in building communities and expanding our skylines. To do this, we hire candidates of all experiences, skillsets, backgrounds and walks of life. We actively foster a work environment and culture where inclusion and diversity is part of our fundamental structure. This is delivered behaviorally, through our policies, trainings, local partnerships with professional diverse organizations, internal networks and most importantly with the support and sponsorship of our leaders who help drive our commitment to an inclusive, diverse, welcoming and equitable work environment. Anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

Our Business

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change.

As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

WSP is currently seeking an Assistant Vice President, Environmental Scientist to support our Capital District (DC, MD, NC, VA and WV) service area, based in our Richmond, VA office. This team member will be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that is passionate about meeting our client’s objectives and solving their challenges across a wide range of disciplines. A successful candidate will have demonstrated creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in anticipating and solving environmental problems, determining objectives and requirements, organizing projects, and managing diverse environmental assessment and permitting activities. This position requires the successful evaluation and permitting of environmental impacts associated with a range of project development goals. The candidate shall have practical knowledge and experience with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations including proficiency achieving permit approvals and ensuring the achievement of regulatory compliance requirements. Further, the position will implement a demonstrated skill set to support renewable energy and energy infrastructure development.

Your Impact

• Lead development and permitting activities for a range of renewable energy, infrastructure and land projects
• Fulfill project management responsibilities, including the responsible management of both internal and external influencing factors, to ensure project success
• Perform client relationship advancement and business development to continue delivery of business prosperity and growth objectives
• Mentor junior level staff in the completion of natural resource surveys/assessments and report preparation environmental documentation and environmental permitting actions
• Work efficiently within culturally and geographically diverse cross-functional teams in executing project work
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures
• Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
• Remain current in latest environmental science subject matter and techniques.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, or comparable life sciences field.
• 15+ years of experience working as an environmental scientist and completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat, and impact assessments, permitting and/or construction monitoring
• Accomplished knowledge of renewable energy development processes/practices and record of proficient management and leadership of a multidisciplinary team in the completion of renewable energy development projects
• Accomplished knowledge of local/regional ecology, habitats, applicable species and applicable permitting processes (e.g., Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, VA/MD/WV/NC state permits, NEPA, NPDES, etc.)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ESRI Software, AutoCAD, and mobile GPS technologies
• Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with technical and business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Extensive critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.

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Additional Requirements

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Additional Details

• Travel Required: 10%
• Job Status: Regular
• Employee Type: Full
• Primary Location: RICHMOND - W LABURNUM AVE
• All locations: US-VA-Richmond

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible, agile and hybrid workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.