Environmental Scientist

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that is critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Our Environmental Services group is dedicated to managing environmental issues professionally and proactively. Our staff of professionals includes specialists in marine biology, wetland science, wildlife biology, soil science, fisheries biology, botany, hydrogeology, hydrology, forestry, habitat and ecosystem restoration, permitting, GIS, and Information Management. We help our clients identify and respond to opportunities and threats within constantly changing regulatory and corporate environments, through active engagement with the public, stakeholder groups, and governmental regulators. Our team members have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of projects that may include endangered species assessments, environmental impact assessment, habitat restoration, wetland characterizations, and water resources management. Opportunity We are seeking an exceptionally talented and enthusiastic individual with a keen interest in the natural sciences to join our Midwest team and advance their career. This Environmental Scientist position will primarily assess impacts of transportation projects under Section7 of the Endangered Species Act, coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, implement avoidance and mitigation measures to preserve and mitigate unavoidable impacts, and perform related work as required. Key Responsibilities Review proposed transportation project concepts and plans to assess potential impacts on protected species, critical habitats, and other protected areas (e.g., Loess Hills, forested land) as required by state, federal, and local environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Serve as Federal Highway Administration designee for consultation with regulatory agencies. Attend meetings and work closely with internal transportation engineers, planners, wetland biologists, cultural resources managers, and NEPA staff to review, minimize, and mitigate projects cohesively. Coordinate the minimization and mitigation of unavoidable project impacts to protected species, critical habitats, and other sensitive areas. Occasional overnight travel required. Participate in multi‑disciplinary environmental assessments; record, enter, organize, manage, and analyze data; write technical reports for client and regulatory agency review; and attend client and regulatory agency meetings, providing recommendations and input. Capabilities and Credentials Knowledge of and/or experience with federal, state, and/or local environmental permitting processes specifically related to endangered species, ESA, MBTA, BGEPA, and/or NEPA. Team player with exceptional oral and written communication, presentation, analytical, and creative problem‑solving skills. Effective leadership and management skills. Collaboration with diverse groups of people. Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills. Determination and dedication. High standards of ethical conduct; respectful communication. Ability to interface effectively with clients, peers, management, and vendors to meet shifting needs. Integration of work across relevant areas to enhance customer satisfaction and productivity; risk and safety management; information management; exceptional service to internal and external customers. Resource planning and results delivery; keeping current with relevant technology and innovation. Strong ethics, influence, negotiation, leadership; stress management and continuous learning. Motivation to self and others to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. Ability to work well under pressure, prioritize, and balance heavy workloads. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word. Valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Education and Experience Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science, natural resources, ecology, wildlife, or related biological field. 2 to 4 years of relevant experience, preferably on transportation projects. Must live within 1 hour of Ames, Iowa. This position primarily involves working in an office environment with computers. This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee, and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice. Primary Location: United States | IA | Des Moines Other Locations: United States | IA | Independence Organization: BC-2277 EnvSvcs-US Great Lakes West Employee Status: Regular Business Justification: Replacement Travel: Yes Schedule: Full time Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team. #J-18808-Ljbffr