Environmental Specialist 2

GAI is seeking an Environmental Specialist 2 professional with 6-8 years of experience to join our talented and energetic team in Wisconsin. This position is eligible for GAI’s flexible hybrid workplace selection, in accordance with our Telework Policy. We are looking for a motivated person for both office and field environmental tasks. The primary work responsibility will be to provide task leadership for field studies, documentation, siting, and permitting efforts relating to environmental resources for energy projects including wetland field reviews, rare species surveys and monitoring, aquatic studies, stormwater compliance monitoring, and environmental permitting. Job duties will also include proposal preparation and cost estimating, and quality control reviews. The successful candidate will enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment that will utilize their related experience to develop professionally and grow in today's global environment.

Job Duties:

• Coordinate environmental field surveys including but not limited to wetland and stream delineations, endangered species surveys, aquatic plant surveys, invasive species identification, water quality sampling, environmental inspections, and compliance monitoring, and other data collection as needed.
• Lead transmission line siting investigation tasks and prepare siting documentation for regulatory review.
• Office work may include data verification/entry and preparation of field reports, technical documents, and environmental permit applications. Computer applications are used to store, tabulate, analyze, and report data.
• Prepare and/or assist with the preparation of proposals and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Work is an estimated annual average of 50% office-based work and 50% field-based work; however, office and field durations may not be 50%/50% each week. Travel is expected to be necessary throughout the year and will encounter yearly seasonal conditions typical of the Upper-Midwest Region. Weekly travel to varied job locations will be common. Overnight stays are possible, and more frequent during the growing season. Seasonal field, weather, driving, and hazardous plant/animal conditions typical to the region will be encountered. Driving outside of daylight hours to be expected.
• Performs work under direction of a Project Manager.
• Strong technical writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, both in an office environment and in the field, and as part of a team.
• Provide status and progress reports to customers, project teams, and management.
• Coordinate implementation and compliance with safety protocols and procedures.
• Introduction to basic regulatory agency applications, gains knowledge of regulatory requirements, and other duties as required; receives technical training for career enhancement.

Travel Requirements

• Expectation of 50% daily travel throughout WI (varies seasonally). Overnight stays are required as needed.

General Characteristics

• Shows progress in critical thinking skills, works on small projects or portions of larger projects. Assist Task Managers with aspects of projects. Proactively implements Quality Management System (QMS) for project deliverables.
• If assigned as direct supervisor, skilled at mentoring, Decision making, and conflict resolution. Delegate tasks effectively. Demonstrate responsibility and leadership skills.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 6+ Years Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or similar field of study

Certification/ Licensure

• Driver’s License

Technical Responsibilities

• Shows progress towards leading field studies and data collection. Generate well written, technically sound documents with little assistance from senior staff and require minor edits. Agency interface, Data analysis and interpretation. Acquires ability to research Federal, State, and local applicable environmental regulations and guidance and apply them to project specifics. Extensive knowledge of wetland delineations, wetland restoration and wetland design, ecological field surveys, endangered species surveys (understand the requirements of the endangered species act, understand when and how to consult with these agencies, and have working knowledge of the species within the area we work), and duties as required. May become specialized within a specific discipline; receives technical training for career enhancement.
• If assigned as direct supervisor manage and lead employees; Mentor and motivate; Communicate (including listening); Be available to employees; regular performance feedback; Enforce GAI policy and disseminate internal announcements; Foster teamwork and provide regular overall feedback to staff members.

Project and Task Management

• Works as a part of a team and coordinates work with others.
• Assists in determining schedule and budget requirements.

Management, Supervision, and Guidance

• Assigning and overseeing tasks under the direct supervision of the task manager and maintaining budgets and schedules. Keeping very close communication with Task Managers. Assisting Project Managers or Task Manager with proposal preparation; scopes of work and project component cost estimates.
• Guidance and oversight from Task Managers and Project Managers.
• If assigned as a direct supervisor, receives guidance and oversight from Business Managers and/or experts in specific environmental areas.

Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership

• Possess effective oral and written communication skills. interacts well with other staff, clients with close oversight, Project Managers, and various Department Managerial Staff. Performs well with client communications.
• If assigned as direct supervisor, communication (focusing on listening) skills; interacts with employees and various managerial staff regarding employee performance, hiring, coordination with HR on performance issues of staff, merit increases, etc.; Keep employees informed of company news and policy changes.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to sit.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• The employee is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment including a hard hat, safety glasses, fall protection, hearing protection, gloves, etc.
• The work environment will have both hot and cold temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Why GAI?

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Market based, competitive compensation
• Performance driven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work–Life Balance

• Generous paid time off and 7 paid holidays
• An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Environmental and Earth Science or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.