Project Scientist

Join a growing Applicant Permitting practice supporting a diverse and expanding portfolio of energy, utility, and infrastructure projects. This position offers the opportunity to work across multiple jurisdictions, collaborate with experienced technical professionals, and help clients advance complex projects from planning through permitting, construction, and compliance.

Position Summary

EDGE is seeking a Project Scientist with environmental permitting experience in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Experience in additional states is a plus. The Project Scientist will support environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, agency coordination, technical documentation, and field-related activities for a growing portfolio of projects.

The successful candidate will work closely with project managers, technical specialists, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients. This role is well suited for a practical, detail-oriented professional who can manage multiple assignments, communicate clearly, and contribute to high-quality project delivery in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Permitting and Compliance

• Prepare and support federal, state, and local environmental permit applications, plans, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Lead permitting efforts in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, with opportunities to expand into additional jurisdictions.
• Conduct desktop environmental reviews, permitting feasibility assessments, and environmental constraints analyses.
• Track permit requirements, agency comments, commitments, approval conditions, and compliance obligations.
• Assist with construction-phase environmental compliance and post-construction closeout activities.

Agency and Project Coordination

• Support coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state environmental and natural resource agencies, and local permitting authorities.
• Prepare meeting materials, consultation packages, responses to agency comments, and requests for additional information.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams, clients, field personnel, and subcontractors to maintain schedule and deliverable quality.
• Assist project managers with scopes, schedules, budgets, progress tracking, and client communications.

Natural Resources and Field Support

• Support wetland delineations, habitat assessments, environmental field surveys, and construction compliance inspections.
• Coordinate field activities, data collection, documentation, and follow-up reporting.
• Prepare clear, defensible technical reports, permit exhibits, and field documentation.

Practice Growth and Quality

• Contribute to technical reviews and quality assurance/quality control processes.
• Support proposals, qualifications packages, and other business development efforts.
• Help strengthen tools, templates, and repeatable processes that support a growing project portfolio and consistent client service.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies, environmental engineering, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 3 to 7 years of environmental consulting, permitting, regulatory, or related experience.
• Permitting experience in one or more of the following states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Direct experience across several of these states is strongly preferred.
• Experience preparing environmental permit applications, technical reports, regulatory submittals, or compliance documentation.
• Strong technical writing, organization, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, coordinate with diverse project teams, and meet project deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and willingness to learn project-specific tools and systems.
• Ability to travel periodically for project meetings, field activities, or agency coordination, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting natural gas pipeline, electric transmission, renewable energy, utility, industrial, transportation, or other infrastructure projects.
• Working knowledge of Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, state wetland and waterway programs, erosion and sediment control requirements, threatened and endangered species consultation, NEPA, or FERC-regulated projects.
• Experience with PADEP, Ohio EPA, WVDEP, Virginia DEQ, MDE, or related state and federal agencies.
• Experience conducting or coordinating wetland, habitat, or environmental compliance fieldwork.
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro or similar GIS platforms.
• Professional certifications or training related to wetlands, natural resources, environmental compliance, or project management.
• Permitting experience in states beyond Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.

Why Join EDGE?

Growing Practice: Join an expanding team with opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and help shape how work is delivered.

Diverse Project Portfolio: Support a variety of energy, utility, and infrastructure projects across the Mid-Atlantic, Appalachian region, and beyond.

Professional Development : Work directly with experienced project managers and technical specialists while building broader permitting and client-service capabilities.

Collaborative Culture: Contribute in a practical, team-oriented environment that values responsiveness, technical quality, accountability, and sound judgment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and continuing education support

Employment Eligibility

EDGE will not sponsor employment visas, including H-1B, OPT, or similar programs, for this position.