Job Information
WSP USA Marine Benthic Specialist in Richmond, Virginia
Our Business
We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.
This Opportunity
WSP is currently seeking an Marine Benthic Specialist to support our U.S. East Coast service area with a variety of offshore, energy, restoration, infrastructure, and other environmental projects. This team member will be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that is passionate about meeting our client’s objectives and solving their challenges across a wide range of disciplines. The primary office location for this position is flexible and could potentially be based in any number of WSP’s East Coast offices including, but not limited to: Herndon, VA; Virginia Beach, VA; Richmond, VA; Palm Beach, FL; Baltimore, MD; Washington, D.C.; Morristown, NJ; Buffalo, NY; New York, NY; Boston, MA; Portland, ME; or Wilmington, NC. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Who You Are
Support a broad range of coastal and marine-based projects including linear infrastructure (e.g., transit, fiber optic, and transmission lines), offshore energy installations, coastal habitat restoration, and/or port development primarily within the U.S. Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, with additional opportunities along the West Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
Support permitting activities for a range of infrastructure, energy, and coastal development projects subject to regulation under federal law (e.g., Clean Water Act [CWA], Coastal Zone Management Act [CZMA], Endangered Species Act [ESA], Magnuson‑Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act [MSA], National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA], etc.).
Complete environmental analysis and technical reports based on the best available scientific information including peer-reviewed literature, agency reports, and site-specific data to evaluate a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental protection and monitoring measures.
Design, review, and execute benthic sampling plans for large linear infrastructure projects to collect data in support of permits.
Analyze potential impacts on marine benthic species and habitats from proposed nearshore and offshore activities and develop appropriate mitigation and monitoring plans.
Manage and budget multiple project tasks.
Synthesize and summarize large amounts of information contained in design plans, regulatory files, environmental permits, and other environmental documentation.
Collect and document field data and observations in a clear and organized manner utilizing appropriate sampling and monitoring equipment.
Analyze, evaluate, and interpret field and analytical data obtained during field investigations.
Use advanced statistical data analysis techniques to evaluate findings, make recommendations, and prepare written and verbal reports. Prepare data tables and visualizations such as charts, graphs, and illustrations.
Prepare environmental planning documents and outreach materials for governmental, non-profit, and/or commercial clients.
Consult with regulatory staff and stakeholder organizations on marine habitat issues and concerns.
Support the development of proposals for potential future project work related to marine benthic community and habitat effects.
Work efficiently within culturally and geographically diverse cross-functional teams in executing project work.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Your Impact
Required Qualifications
Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience and a bachelor’s degree (or post-graduate degree) in Marine Biology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology, or related discipline.
Experience supporting offshore environmental projects, habitat impact assessments, permitting and/or construction monitoring (environmental consulting experience preferred).
Knowledge of major federal statutes and implementing regulations related to coastal and marine environments, including NEPA, MSA, ESA, and CZMA. Experience developing an Essential Fish Habitat Assessment a plus.
Working knowledge of offshore energy policies/regulations and familiarity with one or more U.S. East Coast state regulations a plus
Experience conducting marine benthic field surveys.
Knowledge of benthic species’ ecology and habitats along the U.S. along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and/or Northeast coasts.
Knowledge of relevant research, laboratory analysis, and statistical evaluation methods.
Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills. Experience with expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience a plus.
Effective self-leadership with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to learn and apply new techniques, follow instruction, and work both independently and in a team.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective manner to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Proficiency in the application of statistical software (e.g., R, MATLAB, PRIMER, SAS) is highly preferred.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
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About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.