Lead Consultant Environmental Scientist

Our Business

Join WSP USA at the Forefront of Waste Management Innovation

Do you want to contribute to revolutionizing the waste industry and drive sustainability forward? Join WSP to become a catalyst for change in waste management. As we nod to our traditional expertise in landfill construction, we're embracing the future of waste, where environmental stewardship, circularity, sustainability, and decarbonization are paramount.

Here's why you should consider joining our team:

1. Pioneering Sustainability : We're not just about building landfills; we're about creating sustainable waste management solutions for the future. Be at the forefront of renewable natural gas initiatives, decarbonization efforts, organics management and innovative recycling technologies that are reshaping the industry landscape. Your work will directly contribute to a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.

2. Impactful Projects : Tired of mundane tasks? With us, you'll tackle projects that make a real difference. From designing state-of-the-art recycling facilities to implementing fleet electrification strategies, every project you work on will be a step towards a more sustainable world. Your expertise will shape the future of waste management practices and set new industry standards. You will have the opportunity to assist corporate and commercial clients with zero waste plans and help implement circular economy practices.

3. Continuous Learning and Growth : In the rapidly evolving field of waste management, there's always something new to learn and you can avoid being pigeon-holed. Join our dynamic team and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and industry trends. We invest in our employees' development, offering training programs and opportunities for advancement to ensure you stay ahead of the curve.

4. Collaborative Environment : At WSP, collaboration is key. You'll work alongside talented professionals from diverse backgrounds, including engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and sustainability experts. Together, we'll brainstorm innovative solutions, share insights, and push the boundaries of what's possible in a circular economy with resource recovery and waste reduction.

5. Purpose-Driven Culture : More than just a job, we offer a sense of purpose. By joining us, you'll be part of our FutureReady mission to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and preserve our planet's resources. Your work will align with your values, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on both the environment and society as a whole.

Join WSP and be part of a team that's shaping the future of the waste industry. Together, we'll create a world where sustainability isn't just a goal - it's a reality.

Who We Are

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring future-ready pioneers to innovate. We're looking to grow our teams with people who are ready to collaborate in building communities and expanding our skylines. To do this, we hire candidates of all experiences, skillsets, backgrounds and walks of life. We actively foster a work environment and culture where inclusion and diversity is part of our fundamental structure. This is delivered behaviorally, through our policies, trainings, local partnerships with professional diverse organizations, internal networks and most importantly with the support and sponsorship of our leaders who help drive our commitment to an inclusive, diverse, welcoming and equitable work environment. Anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

This Opportunity

WSP USA has an immediate opening for a Lead Consultant Environmental Scientist experienced in Solid Waste Management, Circular Economy and Zero Waste Practices to support the company's growing Earth & Environment Team, as well as our Sustainability, Energy, and Climate Change (SECC) Division in Buffalo, NY.

The individual will assist corporate and commercial client-facing teams in the design, implementation, and management of organizational sustainability programs, with demonstrated focus on zero waste strategy and circular economy services. The ideal candidate will have the flexibility and capacity to work on a wide variety of projects and the demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams. Candidates will be able to contribute to both our National and Regional strategies, leveraging expertise from other business lines to assist in waste audits and characterization studies and zero waste plans for commercial and industrial clients. Candidates should be passionate about resource recovery, zero waste planning, sustainability, self-motivated and self-directed, collaborative, and able to produce high-quality work products.

Your Impact

• Leading the development and implementation of zero waste programs and certification at the facility and organizational levels

• Developing opportunities for integrating circular economy elements into organizations' and municipalities' strategic sustainability roadmaps

• Designing and delivering circularity measurement methodologies, performance metrics, targets, and accompanying strategies and achievement plans

• Performing technical analysis in areas such as life cycle assessment, materials management, upstream reduction strategies, downstream infrastructure and service design, and end-of-life impact assessment

• Supporting development of the zero waste and circular economy domain's strategy and capabilities

• Providing project management for a broad array of sustainability, waste, and circular economy tasks

• Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory strategy, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion.

• Develop a client base for providing high level environmental sciences services including identifying additional business development opportunities and engaging in proposal writing and submission.

• Managing client relationships, Supporting business development activities with existing and prospective clients

• Coordinate with clients, resource agencies, and environmental and technical staff, providing a high level of strategic advice and subject matter expertise.

• Engaging in thought leadership through public speaking and technical publications

• Provide oversight with data collection efforts for identifying and compiling observational, spatial, and environmental data concerning a variety of matrices for projects, investigations, and surveys.

• Prepare, complete, and/or review environmental survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act permitting, CEQA, NEPA, etc.).

• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to address, prevent, control, or restore more complex or larger-scale environmental problems.

• Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.

• Participate in the application process for environmental permits to address issues or concerns - undertaking any resulting corrective strategies to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population.

• Provide high level oversite for desk-based research, fieldwork, and/or laboratory work, including measurements, data interpretation, and computer modeling.

• 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.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Engineering, Energy, Sustainability, or a related life sciences field.

• 7+ years of post-education experience in solid waste management, sustainability, circular economy, zero waste, and/or management consulting

• Detailed knowledge of and experience implementing zero waste and circular economy standards and certifications (e.g., UL 2799, TRUE)

• Experience managing projects for a diverse pool of clients from the private, public, and non-profit sectors

• Technical experience in developing, evaluating, and implementing circular economy and zero waste strategies for business and/or municipalities

• Experience developing or utilizing technical methodologies to measure the impact of zero waste and circular economy activities

• Experience in materials management, circular economy and zero waste best practices

• Demonstrated thought leadership and participation in industry associations focused on zero waste and circular economy

• Well-developed interpersonal skills, maturity, credibility, confidence, and integrity

• Strong project management skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills, and use of programs including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

• Ability to develop and present analyses using programs including Microsoft Excel, Access, and Power BI

• Ability to collaborate remotely across geographies and platforms

• Extensive knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.

• Demonstrated technical competence leading environmental permitting of assigned projects within business sector (e.g. commercial, infrastructure, energy, etc.)

• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.

• Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.

• Extensive critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.

• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

• Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.

• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public policy, environmental studies, engineering, energy, sustainability, or a related field is preferred.

• Essential professional licensure/certification.

• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.

• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $87,500 - $126,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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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.

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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.