Analysis Skills, Biology, Communication Skills, Construction, Consulting, Customer Support/Service, Documentation, Driver's License, Ecology, Energy & Utilities, Engineering Consulting, Environmental Impact, Environmental Sciences, Land Development, Mentoring, Natural Resources, Natural Science, Project Planning, Quality Control, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Reporting Skills, Software Administration, Stewardship, Support Documentation, Team Player, Technical Writing, Writing Skills
ApplyJob TypeFull-timeDescriptionIntroduction
RETTEW is seeking a mid- to senior-level Environmental Scientist with a strong natural sciences background to support environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and natural resource assessment projects. This role is ideal for a scientist who enjoys applying ecological and environmental expertise to support responsible development and infrastructure projects.
About RETTEW
RETTEW is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing integrated environmental, planning, geotechnical, and infrastructure solutions. Our employee-owners collaborate across disciplines to help clients navigate complex regulatory environments while protecting natural resources and supporting sustainable growth.
Work Environment
HybridOffice Locations: Williamsport, Mechanicsburg, or State College, PASafety & Compliance Requirements
This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of all pre-employment screenings as a condition of employment. Responsibilities include operating company-owned vehicles and performing field-based work in active construction and utility environments. Continued compliance with RETTEW's safety policies is required throughout employment.
What the Natural Sciences Team Does at RETTEW
W's Natural Sciences team supports projects through environmental permitting, compliance, and natural resource evaluation, helping clients understand environmental constraints early and move projects forward responsibly. The team conducts field-based ecological and environmental studies, prepares permit applications and regulatory documentation, supports NEPA and environmental review processes, and works directly with regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
This group plays a key role in identifying and minimizing impacts to wetlands, waterways, habitats, and other sensitive resources while balancing regulatory requirements with practical project solutions. The work spans a variety of markets, including transportation, land development, utilities, and energy projects.
Position Summary / What You'll Do
The Environmental Scientist will lead and support natural resource investigations, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance efforts. This role contributes directly to project planning and delivery by providing sound scientific analysis, clear documentation, and effective coordination with agencies, clients, and internal teams.
Responsibilities / Day-to-Day
- Conduct natural resource field studies, including wetland delineations, stream and waterway assessments, habitat evaluations, and ecological surveys
- Prepare and support environmental permit applications and approvals at the local, state, and federal levels
- Assist with NEPA documentation, environmental assessments, and impact analyses
- Prepare technical reports, permit narratives, and regulatory correspondence
- Interpret environmental data and apply natural science principles to support project planning and impact avoidance
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies, clients, and internal project teams
- Mentor junior staff and support quality control and technical review efforts
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related natural science discipline
- 5+ years of experience in environmental consulting or applied environmental science
- Hands-on experience with natural resource fieldwork (wetlands, streams, habitats, or ecological assessments)
- Working knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory compliance
- Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
- Valid driver's license and ability to perform field work
Preferred
- Experience with wetland and waterway permitting at the state and federal level
- Experience supporting NEPA reviews or environmental assessments
- Professional certifications (e.g., PWS, CEP, or similar)
- Experience coordinating directly with regulatory agencies
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation aligned with experience
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - 100% employee-owned
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off
- Hybrid work environment supporting flexibility and collaboration
- Professional development, training, and career advancement opportunities
- A culture that values environmental stewardship, teamwork, and technical excellence
RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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Rettew Associates Inc
RETTEW, ranked by Engineering News-Record as one of the top design firms in the U.S., provides a wide range of engineering, environmental, surveying, planning, safety, and related consulting services. Since 1969, RETTEW has been committed to the communities and clients we serve. Growing from a single, four-person firm to more than 350 dedicated professionals with an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), today RETTEW has a seamless network of 10 successful, well-supported offices in five states. Our multidisciplinary engineering consulting offerings span more than 100 services, providing technical solutions to support infrastructure, industry, and communities all around us. Every step of the way we are known for integrating our core values of: integrity, safety, relationships, excellence, and stewardship.
What sets RETTEW apart from the average engineering consulting firm is our ability to anticipate the impact of every step in every project. We work hard to understand and address the specific regulatory, economic, and political issues faced by clients in markets ranging from energy to transportation and a dozen others in between. This in-depth understanding of every project detail enables RETTEW to make decisions as an engineering consultant that protect our clients and our communities.
Whether it is through the water we drink, the energy that warms and lights our homes, or the roads and bridges that connect us to friends and loved ones, RETTEW is a fundamental part of the community.
We answer to you.