Environmental Lead (Sr. Environmental Scientist)
About the Position
We are seeking a highly skilled and technically proficient Environmental Lead (Sr. Environmental Scientist) to contribute to environmental planning, documentation, and permitting efforts for major transportation and rail clients. This dynamic role combines both office-based and field responsibilities that could include conducting environmental and land use analyses for scoping and conceptual studies, performing wetland delineations, conducting ecological and habitat surveys, evaluating mitigation site suitability, monitoring construction and post-construction activities for compliance, preparing NEPA documentation, developing or reviewing environmental permits, etc.
This is a long-term, full-time, on-site position located in the greater Houston metro area that will start around September 2025.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and conduct data collection and analysis for projects in collaboration with other staff.
- Develop and implement methodologies and technical approaches for fieldwork, including setting up test equipment to gather scientific data.
- Examine and evaluate current and potential environmental impacts related to the planning, design, and construction of proposed projects.
- Serve as task lead or principal author in the preparation and/or review of technical reports on environmental impacts.
- Provide scientific and technical support on environmental issues to project managers during project planning, design, and construction phases.
- Review project work to ensure compliance with design criteria and scientific specifications, identifying the need for additional investigations or alternative designs when necessary.
- Lead the preparation of applications and supporting documentation for local, state, and federal environmental permits, as well as ensure adherence to regulatory compliance laws and regulations.
- Prepare and perform environmental compliance monitoring and provide recommendations for improvements or corrective actions.
- Organize and prepare for public meetings and, when required, participate or lead discussions on environmental issues.
- Attend meetings with clients, engineering firms, and staff to discuss and address environmental science concerns.
- Generate innovative ideas, data, and methodologies tailored to specific project needs.
- Contribute to scientific articles and trends to assess findings, synthesize information for reports, and recommend preferred approaches.
- Develop and maintain standards of practice for the team to ensure high-quality deliverables.
- Serve as a field investigator by organizing field crews, determining methodologies, and guiding less experienced staff in fieldwork.
- Review and evaluate field safety plans to ensure proper implementation and compliance.
- Review and evaluate technical analyses in reports and provide guidance to less experienced staff.
Skills and Attributes
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Possess excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.
- Possess excellent collaboration skills.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Archeology, Anthropology, or related field plus 13+ years’ relevant work experience in a similar environmental role OR Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Archeology, Anthropology, or related field plus 10+ years’ relevant work experience in a similar environmental role.
- Should have an established and successful work history of executing and managing the environmental review process for small and large transportation or rail projects.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of relevant experience specifically in NEPA compliance.
- TxDOT Precertifications within Group 2 including 2.14.1 Environmental Document Preparation.
- Knowledge and experience with environmental review and compliance requirements in Texas.
- Experience with Texas EPA requirements and permitting.
- Experience with Amtrak projects.
- Experience with GPS/GIS mapping, data development & management, GIS/CADD integration and finished map production.
Compensation Details
The salary range listed for this role is $115k-$150k/yr ($55-$72/hr). The final salary offered is based on multiple factors and is thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, etc.
Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!
- Unlimited Flexible Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent/Elder Care)
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
- 401(k) Plan with Guaranteed Employer Contribution
- Formal Career Planning and Development Program
- $2,500 Annually Towards Professional Development
- Wellness Program with Monthly Wellness Stipend
- Company Cell Phone or Cell Phone Plan Reimbursement
- Personalized Meal Planning & Nutrition Support With a Registered Dietitian
- Financial Planning Services
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Referral Bonus #IN-LNJS
Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.
All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.
This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.
Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.
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