Senior Environmental Sciences Specialist - Nuclear

Why Black and Veatch

Black & Veatch allows you to lend your talent and perspective to humanity’s biggest challenges in a flexible environment where you are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities. We offer competitive compensation; 401K match and benefits that start day 1.  

Our hybrid environment allows you to balance your work and personal life. At Black & Veatch, you own your career with purpose and meaning. You are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities at every step of your career journey. Bring your big ideas knowing you are safe to be who you are and speak up with concerns or questions and put your diverse talents and perspectives to use.  

The Opportunity

In this role as a  Senior Environmental Scientist – Nuclear Licensing & Permitting , you will have the opportunity to: 

• Serve as a subject matter expert in environmental compliance for nuclear power generation projects.
• This role requires extensive experience in leading and coordinating environmental analyses, studies, and documentation necessary to comply with federal and state environmental regulations applicable to nuclear facilities.
• The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting licensing activities, including Combined Operating Licenses (COLs), Early Site Permits (ESPs), and site selection evaluations.

The Team

Our Environmental team is a multidisciplinary team of ecologists, engineers, scientists, project managers, and attorneys working together to identify optimum environmental solutions for our clients.  We have provided environmental consulting services in support of projects for over 40 years including a diverse and growing mix of infrastructure projects such as power generation (conventional and renewable) and transmission, oil and gas facilities and pipelines, water and wastewater treatment facilities, data centers, and food and beverage industries. As a full-service environmental consulting practice, services include impact assessment and planning, regulatory compliance and permitting, wetland and floodplain analysis, waterbody and water quality assessment, air quality permitting and management, environmental remediation, site due diligence, environmental noise assessment, pollution prevention planning, and climate action solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage environmental analyses required for nuclear facility licensing and permitting, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state programs (e.g., NEPA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act) 
• Coordinate preparation of environmental reports and documentation for submittal to regulatory agencies, including Environmental Reports (ERs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).  
• Provide technical expertise on environmental aspects of Combined Operating Licenses (COLs), Early Site Permits (ESPs), and site selection studies. 
• Interface with regulatory agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), state environmental agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate timely approvals.    
• Develop and implement strategies for environmental compliance during licensing, construction, and operational phases of nuclear projects.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams and consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables and adherence to project schedules. 
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise project teams on implications for nuclear licensing and environmental compliance.

Management Responsibilities

Individual Contributor

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or environmental studies strongly preferred. May also consider other degrees, specialized training, or experience that uniquely qualifies the individual to perform the job responsibilities.
• 10+ years of solutions-oriented environmental consulting with at least 5 years focused on nuclear power generation facilities. Graduate work may count as related work experience if directly applicable to job function.  
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations applicable to nuclear facilities, including NEPA and NRC requirements. Experience working directly with NRC licensing processes. 
• Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating environmental analyses and reports for nuclear licensing projects.
• Proven track record with environmental aspects of Combined Operating Licenses (COLs), Early Site Permits (ESPs), and/or site selection analysis
• Positive, team-first, get-the-job-done commitment. 
• Highly developed critical thinking skills with proven problem-solving capabilities. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to balance multiple projects while working under tight deadlines. 
• Excellent technical writing abilities. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering or professional degree in Sciences in area of expertise preferred with specialized training, or experience that uniquely qualifies the individual to perform the job responsibilities.
• A minimum total of 10 years of related work experience.
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.
• Ability to utilize audio/videoconferencing software tools for internal/external communication
• Sitting/standing/computer usage for extended periods of time
• Domestic travel as required