Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientist

This role offers an opportunity for an Environmental Scientist to work on a wide range of wetland, stream, and ecological projects from initial field investigations through to final deliverables. You will perform wetland delineations, support forest stand and tree assessments, and contribute to Chesapeake Bay Area and threatened and endangered species studies under the guidance of experienced staff. You will also help monitor stream and wetland mitigation banks and prepare high-quality technical reports and maps, while managing multiple projects to meet budget, schedule, and quality expectations within a small, entrepreneurial team.

Responsibilities

• Perform wetland delineations using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and appropriate Regional Supplements, primarily the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont (EMP) and Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Plain (AGCP), under the supervision of mid-to-senior level staff.
• Assist in conducting forest stand delineations and tree assessments in urban settings, supporting arboricultural and ecological evaluations.
• Support Chesapeake Bay Area studies and threatened and endangered species studies under the supervision of mid-to-senior level staff.
• Assist in the monitoring of stream and wetland mitigation banks, including field observations, data collection, and documentation.
• Prepare clear and accurate technical reports, figures, and maps using CAD software, ensuring that all project documentation meets quality standards.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including tracking budgets, maintaining schedules, and coordinating tasks to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Apply a basic understanding of local, state, and federal regulatory regulations and processes related to land development in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
• Collaborate effectively with a small, team-oriented group of environmental professionals, sharing information and supporting colleagues as needed.
• Communicate findings and project status clearly through well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Perform a mix of office and field work in all seasons, including regional travel to project sites throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• At least 2 years of relevant environmental consulting experience.
• Working knowledge of wetland delineations, including the use of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.
• Basic understanding of local, state, and federal regulatory regulations and processes related to land development in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Detail-oriented approach with well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret field data and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated desire to work in a team-oriented environment and collaborate with colleagues.
• Ability to perform both office and field work in all seasons of the year.
• Ability to regularly travel regionally to project sites as needed.
• Experience or familiarity with wetlands, wetland delineation, wetland mitigation, and wetland restoration.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist (ISA-CA) designation.
• Experience with CAD software for preparing technical drawings and maps.
• Experience with GIS software for spatial analysis and mapping.
• Experience in recording and writing detailed technical reports for environmental projects.
• Working knowledge of field techniques for wetland delineations, including plant identification, soil sampling, and hydrologic indicators.
• Working knowledge of field techniques for threatened and endangered species studies.
• Interest in pursuing additional certifications and professional development in environmental and ecological disciplines.
• Comfort working on a variety of environmental project types, including wetlands, streams, and related ecological studies.

Work Environment

You will work approximately 40–50 hours per week in a dynamic setting that combines both office and field responsibilities. The role typically involves a mix of about 60% office work and 40% field work, with regular commuting to project sites throughout Virginia and occasional regional travel. You will be part of a small team of around nine people, providing an entrepreneurial atmosphere where you can wear many hats and have meaningful impact. The organization currently manages more than 20 active wetland and stream projects, offering one of the highest project loads per capita in Virginia and providing broad exposure to diverse environmental work. You will have the opportunity to own projects from cradle to grave, gaining experience in all phases from field investigations through reporting and delivery. A shared company vehicle is available on a first-come, first-served basis for project-related travel. The environment supports strong growth paths, opportunities for additional certifications, and exposure to other environmental disciplines, fostering professional development in both office-based analysis and field-based data collection in all seasons.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chantilly, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $48.08/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.