Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist  - Natural Resources/Railroad 

We are seeking to hire an experienced and highly skilled Senior Scientist to join our robust Natural Resources/Railroad team. This position involves both field and office assignments, focusing on projects related to NEPA compliance documentation, natural resource impacts, and permitting.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a Senior Scientist I level of competency and responsibility, overseeing various aspects of environmental projects with minimal supervision. This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented individual with strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to taking initiative.

Location

In line with our commitment to work/life balance, this role offers complete remote flexibility. As a valued member of the Benesch team, you can choose to work from any of our offices that host a Railroad team, including locations such as Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; Naperville, IL; Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati, OH; Jacksonville, FL; Omaha, NE; and Raleigh, NC.

Benesch’s Railroad Division is made up of highly skilled rail professionals, many of whom are former employees of operating railroads. This firsthand experience working on designing and maintaining active rail systems uniquely equips our team to develop innovative solutions to a wide variety of rail projects. 

The Impact You Will Have

• Demonstrate a Senior Scientist I level of competency, overseeing environmental projects with minimal supervision.
• Conduct on-site data collection, encompassing plant and vegetation, soil, cultural/historic features, wildlife, socio-economic factors, and environmental site assessments.
• Synthesize complex information, deriving meaningful insights for project elements and collected data.
• Research and apply data and design standards, ensuring accuracy and compliance in calculations and analysis.
• Utilize engineering judgment to interpret data, making informed decisions supporting project objectives.
• Identify data relationships and dependencies, designing workflows and procedures accordingly. Compile data into reports, incorporate information into databases, complete permit applications, and manage agency correspondence.
• Oversee, perform, and review inspections and construction observations associated with environmental projects.
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports and internal/external communications.
• Provide technical direction, coordinating assignments with others working on related tasks.
• Possess advanced knowledge in various environmental tasks, including wetland identification, wildlife surveys, T&E identification, and NEPA documentation.
• Guide routine project efforts assigned to staff, identifying viable alternatives to plans and designs based on collected data.
• Assist the Project Manager in developing work plans, QC/QA reviews, and managing contract deliverables, schedules, and budgets.
• Identify out-of-scope items and report to the Project Manager before work initiation.
• Effectively communicate with project teams and clients, clearly expressing ideas and thoughts.
• Exhibit strong analytical skills in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Demonstrate advanced technical writing skills in creating comprehensive reports and documentation.
• Select and use appropriate communication methods, exhibiting good listening and comprehension skills.
• Take initiative in learning and applying new skills, pursuing training and development opportunities.
• Seek increased responsibilities and share expertise with others within the team.
• Work towards obtaining national registration or certification in an area of specialization (e.g., PWS, NEPA Specialist) if not already obtained.
• Network and participate in professional organizations, taking on leadership roles.
• Interact with clients, project teams, and sub-consultants and actively contribute to project pursuits and proposal preparation.
• Adhere to all project and company safety guidelines.

What We Are Looking For

• BS in Natural Resources in a related discipline
• Minimum 9 years of experience working on
• Hands-on experience in managing various aspects of environmental projects, including but not limited to NEPA compliance documentation, natural resource impact assessments, and permitting processes
• Demonstrated expertise in synthesizing complex information, applying data and design standards, and utilizing engineering judgment for interpreting data in the context of natural resource projects.
• Strong research skills and application of data and design standards to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Proven ability to identify problems in a timely manner and develop alternative solutions.
• Technical writing skills to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new skills, pursuing training and development opportunities.

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