Natural Resource and Environmental Permitting Scientist

As a Natural Resource and Environmental Permitting Scientist at AECOM, you'll conduct field investigations, prepare technical reports, and handle environmental permitting for various projects. This role includes wetland delineations, conducting natural resources investigations, and performing soil, sediment, and water sampling. You will collaborate closely with clients and support permitting efforts tailored for aquatic and terrestrial environments, ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations.

To qualify for the Mid-Level Natural Resource and Environmental Permitting Scientist role at AECOM, candidates should possess a BA/BS in natural resources sciences, natural resource management, or environmental science, along with 6 years of relevant experience. You must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass AECOM’s Motor Vehicle Records review. Experience in environmental permitting, wetland delineation, and water sampling is also required.

Yes, AECOM offers flexibility for the Natural Resource and Environmental Permitting Scientist position, allowing for remote work for candidates located in Upstate New York. While you have the option to work from the office in Buffalo or Albany, embracing a remote role could provide you with the flexibility needed to balance your personal and professional life.

As a Natural Resource and Environmental Permitting Scientist at AECOM, you will work on diverse projects that involve environmental permitting and planning practices. This includes hands-on experiences with wetland delineations and natural resource investigations, especially for projects that cater to some of the world's most complex challenges in water and environmental issues, directly impacting community well-being.

AECOM provides a comprehensive benefits package for its employees in the Natural Resource and Environmental Permitting Scientist role. Depending on employment status, benefits may include medical, dental, vision care, paid time off, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, employees have access to a variety of well-being resources, professional development programs, and employee assistance services to enhance their work-life balance and career growth.

In preparing for this question, outline specific projects where you successfully conducted wetland delineations. Discuss the techniques and methodologies you used, emphasizing your understanding of regulatory requirements and your ability to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders. Providing details on lessons learned from these experiences can be a valuable addition.

When asked about your approach to environmental permitting, share specific systems and steps you follow, perhaps mentioning how you engage with multiple stakeholders. Highlight any challenges you've faced and how you managed to navigate and resolve them efficiently to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Be prepared to discuss any specific software you've used for environmental data analysis, like GIS or data management platforms. Share examples of how you've effectively utilized these tools to interpret environmental data, bringing attention to how these insights led to informed decisions in your projects.

When tackling this question, outline the types of field investigations you have conducted and specify whether they were focused on aquatic or terrestrial environments. Discuss your attention to detail during these investigations and how you documented and reported your findings to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

Your response should demonstrate your understanding of safety protocols and training. Mention any certifications you hold, such as HAZWOPER, and elaborate on measures you take to ensure personal safety and that of your team while working in various habitats throughout New York State.

Prepared candidates can respond by detailing specific experiences you have with NEPA and SEQRA processes in your past jobs. Highlight how you ensured compliance with these regulations and any successful project outcomes resulting from your knowledge in these areas.

Prepare a specific instance where you navigated a significant challenge during a permitting project. Focus on the problem, the actions you took to address it, and the outcome. This displays your problem-solving skills and your ability to handle pressure effectively.

Your answer should reflect a proactive approach to professional development. Discuss how you keep abreast of changes in environmental regulations through continuous education, subscriptions to industry publications, or participation in relevant workshops. Mention any networks you tap into for sharing best practices.

Collaborative skills are crucial in this field. When answering this question, share your approach to teamwork, focusing on communication and conflict resolution strategies. Highlight how you've successfully worked with diverse teams in the past to drive project success.

In your response, express genuine interest in AECOM's commitment to delivering impactful projects and its global team culture. Discuss how the role aligns with your career aspirations, your passion for environmental science, and your desire to contribute to meaningful solutions in the realm of infrastructure and sustainability.