• Staff Environmental Scientist - Permitting…

    Burns & McDonnell (Houston, TX)


    **Description** Burns & McDonnell's South Central Region is seeking a Staff Environmental Scientist to join our Environmental & Regulatory Compliance (ERC) Department in Texas. The Staff Environmental Scientist will support delivery of environmental assessments, agency coordination, and permitting tasks for various industries including transmission and distribution, power generation, chemical manufacturing, aviation, utilities, and technology. This position supports the growth of the Environmental Services Global Practice based upon Burns & McDonnell's core values of safety, client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, and overall outstanding service. The Staff Environmental Scientist would be expected to perform permitting and regulatory compliance advisory services for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of industrial facilities such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), electrical substations, and data centers. Assigned duties may include the following:

    + Manage the full lifecycle of project permitting deliverables, from initial execution and quality assurance to client reviews and agency comment resolution.

    + Review and interpret codes, ordinances, and regulations and identify permits applicable to design, construction, and operation of various projects and facilities.

    + Prepare, submit, and track environmental and non-environmental permit applications.

    + Coordinate across disciplines; guide engineering and construction teams to meet technical requirements for permit packages.

    + Coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ).

    + Manage review cycles for the permit matrix, environmental deliverables, and permit submittals to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

    + Develop and refine permitting and compliance strategies for projects.

    + Review and interpret environmental due diligence portfolios and documents, including Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), Critical Issue Analyses, Wetland Delineation Reports, Cultural Resource Assessments, and other similar due diligence documents.

    + Preparation and development of technical reports and memorandums.

    + Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies.

    + May perform oversight of permit coordinator(s) to help achieve and maintain assigned duties.

    + All other duties as assigned.

    Qualifications

    + Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or a related natural science degree from an accredited program required and at least 4 years of related professional experience. Consulting experience is highly preferred.

    + Experience in obtaining permits, coordinating AHJ plan reviews, regulatory code enforcement, site planning, regulatory due diligence, construction compliance, or similar.

    + Strong background in permitting from start to finish (applications, tracking, close‑out).

    + Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills.

    + Takes direction, asks clarifying questions, and prepares clear written & verbal analysis.

    + Highly organized, proactive, and detail oriented.

    + A natural problem solver who demonstrates initiative and enthusiasm for regulatory work.

    + Ability to clearly communicate both verbal and written technical information.

    + Must be proficient in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Planner).

    + Valid driver's license required. In addition, must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.

     

    This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

     

    EEO/Disabled/Veterans

     

    **Job** Environmental

    **Primary Location** US-TX-Houston

    **Schedule:** Full-time

    **Travel:** Yes, 10 % of the Time

    **Req ID:** 254815

    **Job Hire Type** Experienced #LI-JJ #ENS