Environmental Specialist

About the Positions 

We’re seeking Environmental Specialists at various levels to support large, heavy-civil infrastructure programs—including highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and airport projects delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. You will contribute to environmental planning, documentation, and permitting efforts. These dynamic roles combine 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 posting is for future roles and not for a specific opportunity that is available right now. We accept applications and conduct interviews in advance of upcoming hiring needs. When a candidate is selected, their profile is activated in our talent pool for this specialty area. We notify our talent pool candidates first whenever we have a project need. This posting targets the Greater New York City area.    

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• 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.  
• Perform state water determinations and ecology special studies such as wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and protected species surveys.   
• Examine and evaluate current and potential environmental impacts related to the planning, design, and construction of proposed projects.  
• Assist with 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.  
• Assist in 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.  

Attributes 

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent multitasking and organizational skills. 
• Excellent collaboration skills. 
• Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for continuous improvement. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, geology, biology, ecology, environmental science, archeology, anthropology, or related field. 
• 5+ years of relevant work experience supporting environmental compliance on heavy civil construction or infrastructure projects, ideally in a field-based role. 
• Strong observation, documentation, and communication skills, with the ability to interact with field crews and regulatory staff. 
• Proven experience and established and successful work history of executing the environmental review process for transportation or rail projects. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, geology, biology, ecology, environmental science, archeology, anthropology, or related field. 
• Experience with large (>$500M), complex, heavy-civil infrastructure projects that include highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and/or airport projects. 
• Experience delivering projects through both traditional and alternative methods (e.g., DB, CM/GC, P3). 
• 8+ years of relevant experience specifically in NEPA compliance. 
• Knowledge and experience with environmental review and compliance requirements in New York State. 
• Experience with New York State EPA requirements and permitting. 
• Experience with GPS/GIS mapping, data development and management, GIS/CADD integration, and finished map production. 
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Cloud Analytics, or other dashboard KPI reporting software.  

Compensation Details 

The salary range listed for this role is $90k-$110k/year ($45-$55/hour). The final salary offered will be based on multiple factors and thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, geographic location, etc. 

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer! 

• Unlimited flexible time off 
• Paid holidays 
• Paid parental leave 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance 
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care) 
• Long-term disability insurance 
• Short-term disability insurance 
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policy 
• 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution 
• Formal career planning and development program 
• $2,500 annually toward professional development 
• Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend 
• Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement 
• Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian 
• Free personal financial planning services 
• Employee assistance program 
• Employee discounts 
• Employee referral bonus 
• Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. 

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.