Environmental Scientist/Planner - Entry to Junior Level

Moffatt & Nichol, a leading U.S.-based firm specializing in the planning and design of complex waterfront projects that shape and serve our coastlines, harbors, and rivers. We are seeking an Environmental Scientist to join one of our Pacific Northwest offices in Seattle, Federal Way, or Vancouver, Washington. This environmental scientist and/or planner will support tasks that could include biological and/or environmental assessments and investigations, environmental review, permitting, planning, and the development of cartographic products for a variety of waterfront development, coastal resiliency and ecosystem restoration projects. 

About Moffatt & Nichol:  

Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specializing in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbors and rivers, as well as an innovator in the transportation complexities associated with the movement of freight. For the 3rd year in a row, Moffatt & Nichol is Ranked #1 in Engineering News-Record for Marine & Port Facilities in the U.S. Additionally, our firm consistently ranks in the Top 100 Pure Designers in the US and the Top 50 Designers in International Markets. We were also named Southeast Design Firm of the Year 2023.  

Moffatt & Nichol's professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists and architects who serve our global client base from offices in Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. The firm provides clients worldwide with customized service and a level of excellence that have become the firm’s hallmark in several primary practice areas – ports and harbors; coastal, environmental and water resources; urban waterfronts and marinas; transportation, bridges and rail; inspection and rehabilitation; and energy.  

Duties and responsibilities: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

• Evaluate and assess projects and proposed activities in compliance with existing federal, state and local guidelines, policies and regulations 
• Prepare/manage the procurement-of/compliance-with permits issued by federal, state, and local agencies
• Prepare environmental documentation in keeping with applicable environmental regulations for waterfront projects (natural systems, biological and/or physical resources, marine ecology, sediment characterization, permitting, NEPA, SEPA)
• Participate inesiliency and hazard mitigation planning work for waterfront and riverine environments
• Create cartographic products for permits, reports, presentations and proposals using GIS
• Search for, assess, process and manage data to support projects involving GIS
• Contact vendors; research literature; seek solutions to regulatory requirements
• Collect and analyze data (e.g., environmental, ecological) from various sources to determine affects to the environment
• Conduct/attend field visits and inspections as needed including from a boat
• Review and tabulate data (chemical, biological) 
• Participate in training on how to perform post emergency response activities and cleanups/remediation at industrial sites, corrective action sites, and voluntary cleanups involving hazardous substances. Training includes hazard recognition, exposure limits and risk evaluation for chemical and general site safety concerns
• Support and comply with Moffatt & Nichol's Quality Management procedures 

Other duties: 

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in natural, environmental, biological, physical sciences, environmental planning, or similar is required
• 1 to 4 Years of experience (includes internships)
• Permitting experience highly desired (JPA, SEPA, NEPA, CEQA, etc.)
• Solid written and verbal communication skills are required
• Detail-oriented to support analyzing and interpreting scientific data
• Ability to collaborate with project team members
• Ability to research and write technical reports and permit applications in support of waterfront projects
• Ability to collect and analyze data from various sources in order to determine affects to the environment
• Ability to perform basic mathematical and statistical calculations
• Ability to assist other scientists and planners with field visits and inspections and/or as assigned
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills are a positive
• Willingness to support and comply with Moffatt & Nichol’s Quality Program
• Must have valid driver’s license
• Must be willing and able to travel, including overnight
• All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171
• Moffatt & Nichol uses E-Verify and employment is contingent upon the legal ability to obtain employment in the U.S. and to present the required documentation at hire

 Base salary range:  

$30.00 to $34.00 per hour based on years of experience, level of education obtained, professional registration, and meeting required qualification in job description. 

Base salary range only applicable for candidates who will be hired and working in the Washington markets.   

Physical requirements: 

Environmental Scientist/Planner will primarily work in an office setting, but client visits and field visits are required. Hybrid remote/in-office work arrangements are available with manager approval. Must be able to navigate unpaved terrain and support/complete work in the field outdoors, carrying equipment, in various weather conditions. 

Moffatt & Nichol’s EEO Statement:

As a global business, Moffatt & Nichol relies on diversity of culture and thought to deliver on our goal of Creative People, Practical Solutions® serving our client needs, and ensures nondiscrimination in all activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We continuously seek talented, qualified employees in our world-wide operations regardless of race, color, sex/gender, including gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, citizen status, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification under country or local law. Moffatt & Nichol is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer/ Federal Contractor desiring priority referrals of all protected veterans for job openings. 

EEO is the LAW

If you need more information or require special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact Human Resources at (562) 590-6500 or TTY/TDD users please call 711.