Junior Specialist Environmental Scientist

SUMMARY

DAWSON is seeking an entry-level Environmental Scientist I for the conservation and planning team that is interested in participating in a variety of projects across DAWSON’s services throughout the country. The ideal candidate will work closely with Project Managers to support the development of environmental evaluations and reports. This position is an opportunity to learn across a range of project activities including: the development of environmental impact assessments in support of NEPA;

participation in public involvement; field and geospatial data collection, processing, and analysis; and scientific and technical report preparation.

• Provide technical assistance on NEPA compliance, planning, public involvement, and database management projects.
• Collect project‑related data, organize public comment database, review and respond to public comments, conduct surveys for listed species, and participate in interviews with government agencies and clients.
• Perform multiple assignments within scope, budget and schedule expectations and adhere to DAWSON’s quality standards on project deliverables.
• Support preparation for and participation in client meetings, public information meetings, and hearings.
• Assist public and private clients with permit coordination, acquisition and compliance.
• Communicate with a variety of stakeholders, subcontractors, regulatory agents, tenants, and clients.
• Support DAWSON team members and Project Managers to effectively manage projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• BS in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, or related field.
• Recent graduate to 3 years of relevant environmental experience or professional internships.
• Effective written and verbal communication and organization/analytical skills; experience recording and writing detailed technical data and reports is a plus.
• Strong hands‑on spreadsheet and online database comprehension.
• Detail‑oriented with mechanical aptitude and hands‑on troubleshooting/problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to multi‑task, maintain flexibility, travel, and work independently as well as with supervision.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations including but not limited to the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, NEPA, and applicable state and local environmental regulations.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Able to pass a federal and state background check for project‑based assignments.
• Working knowledge of GIS software is a plus.

Periodic business travel is required and is expected about 25–50% of the year, including overnight travel. Travel will consist of field work at project sites and visits to client and partner offices across the United States. The position involves 25–50% of outdoor fieldwork at sites across the country. Fieldwork may require the candidate to walk over uneven terrain for up to eight hours a day and carry heavy equipment.

Candidates are subject to fit‑for‑duty baseline physical requirements and may be subject to medical monitoring protocols.

DAWSON is an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DAWSON offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer‑paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additional voluntary benefits are available, including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance; and more.

DAWSON gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be considered. The company’s career portal uses a third‑party applicant tracking system to manage applications. DAWSON’s official email domain is  All employment offers are issued through official channels.