Associate Environmental Specialist

GAI Consultants is seeking an Associate Environmental Specialist to support environmental compliance, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, and waterway permitting efforts for transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Indiana and the Midwest. This hybrid position combines field investigations, environmental analysis, regulatory permitting support, and technical report preparation. The position offers an outstanding opportunity for recent graduates or early-career professionals to develop expertise in environmental review, permitting, and natural resource evaluations while working alongside experienced environmental scientists and planners.

Successful candidates will gain experience with federal and state environmental regulations including NEPA, Section 401 and 404 permitting under the Clean Water Act, wetland and stream assessments, threatened and endangered species review, and environmental documentation supporting transportation and infrastructure projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Conduct environmental field investigations including wetland delineations, stream assessments, and waters of the United States evaluations.
• Assist with the preparation of environmental documentation supporting NEPA and waterway permitting requirements.
• Support development of Section 401 Water Quality Certification and Section 404 permit applications.
• Collect, organize, and analyze environmental field data for technical reports and regulatory submittals.
• Assist with desktop environmental reviews including natural resource screening, agency database research, and environmental constraint identification.
• Prepare technical documents, permit application materials, and environmental reports under the supervision of senior environmental staff.
• Support agency coordination with regulatory entities including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and other agencies.
• Utilize GPS and GIS technologies for field data collection and environmental mapping.
• Maintain compliance with company quality assurance, quality control, and health and safety procedures.
• Participate in field reviews throughout Indiana and neighboring states as project needs require.

Qualifications Required:  

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Environmental Planning, Geography, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize and present technical information clearly and accurately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Willingness to perform both office and field-based work.
• Ability to travel periodically for environmental field investigations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements.

Preferred: (Not required, but candidates that demonstrate these qualifications will be given preference)  

• Academic coursework or internship experience related to:
  • NEPA
  • Environmental permitting
  • Wetland ecology
  • Stream ecology
  • Environmental planning
  • Natural resources management
• Familiarity with:
  • Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
  • Endangered Species Act
  • National Historic Preservation Act
• Experience with wetland delineations, ecological field surveys, or natural resource assessments.
• GIS experience using ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online.
• Experience with transportation, utility, or infrastructure projects.
• Wetland Delineation Training, or First Aid/CPR certification.

Physical Demands and/or Other Job Information:  

• Ability to walk moderate distances through unimproved terrain, utility rights-of-way, in remote areas, etc.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to hear and visualize potential hazards during fieldwork or site visit situations.
• GAI Consultants prides itself on the quality of its employees and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a drug screening.

General Characteristics

Develops foundational knowledge of environmental regulations, natural resource assessments, environmental review processes, and permitting requirements. Works under the guidance of experienced environmental professionals while supporting field investigations, environmental documentation, and regulatory permitting efforts. Receives training and mentoring to support progression toward independent project responsibilities.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 0 to 3 Years of Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s or higher in biology, ecology, or related environmental field.

Technical Responsibilities

• Wetland delineations and stream assessments.
• Waters of the United States evaluations.
• Environmental resource identification and mapping.
• Section 401/404 permit application support.
• NEPA document preparation and environmental compliance support.
• Regulatory research and agency coordination.
• Technical report writing and environmental data management.
• GIS-based environmental analysis and mapping.

Project and Task Management

• Responsible for personal task management and adherence to deadlines and scope.

Management Responsibility

• Close supervision on all work assignments.
• No managerial responsibilities at this level.

Communication Skills

• Possesses basic oral and written communication skills. Identifies and acknowledges principles of teamwork and leadership.
• Interacts primarily with internal project team members