Project Environmental Specialist

Locations:
Houston, TX: 1707 1/2 Post Oak Blvd, #657, Houston, TX 77056, USA.

Locations:
Pittsburgh (Homestead, PA): 385 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120, USA.

GAI Consultants is seeking an individual with 10+ years of experience to provide advanced experience and team leadership in environmental studies and permitting and/or siting studies. The Senior Project Environmental Specialist's primary work responsibility will be to provide task leadership for siting, permitting, and documentation efforts relating to environmental resources for electric transmission projects. This position will work under the direction of a Project Manager.

The Project Environmental Specialist 1 will also be responsible for coordination with clients and regulatory agencies, proposal preparation and cost estimating, and quality control reviews.

• Lead transmission line siting investigation tasks and prepare siting documentation for regulatory review.
• Lead environmental resource investigation tasks and prepare permit applications and associated environmental reports.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate environmental field surveys including but not limited to wetland and stream delineations, endangered species surveys, environmental inspections, and compliance monitoring.
• Strong technical writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must be able to travel, including overnight trips. Travel is estimated to occur monthly, but may vary. Travel to clients, projects, and meetings in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest (up to 20%).
• Provide status and progress reports to customers, project teams, and management.
• Coordinate implementation and compliance with safety protocols and procedures.

• Experience in siting and/or environmental studies and permitting.
• Experience in preparing siting documentation for state or federal regulatory agencies preferred.
• Experience in preparing Section 404/401 and Section 10 permit applications. Experience with state permitting requirements (including waterbody, floodplain, and SWPPP permits) in OH, WV, VA, KY, TN, MD, NJ, or PA.
• Technical expertise and experience in an environmental or socioeconomic field.

• Experience in wetland delineation, function and value assessment, mitigation design, endangered species surveys, and/or GIS applications.
• Experience conducting ORAM, HHEI/QHEI and/or Tennessee Qualified Hydrologic Professional evaluations.

• Begins assisting Task Managers and Project Manager as needed on technical aspects of the project; well‑rounded in aspects of consulting and the industry.

10+ Years of Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences or similar field of study

Driver’s License required

• Begins to learn specialized knowledge in the environmental sciences gained through advanced degree or extensive experience.
• Oversight of task managers' coordination of project tasks; reviews project documents; carries out complex assignments requiring industry‑current techniques or procedures; agency and sub‑consultant interface; focus on data analysis, interpretation, and review; serves as a peer advisor; mentors junior staff.

• Begins to perform task management.

• Begins to assist with the supervision of technical studies within assigned tasks; can serve as task manager on small to medium tasks requiring specialized technical expertise; maintains GAI’s procedures and protocols; assists with identifying and scoping technical studies required for projects.
• Guidance and oversight from Project Managers and task managers in specific environmental areas.

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills; interact well with other staff; interact with Project and Task Managers and various Department Managerial Staff; interact with clients on technical issues at regular project meetings.

• Market‑based competitive compensation.
• Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays.
• Additional floating holiday.
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.