Staff Environmental Scientist - NPDES Permitting (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell is a globally recognized engineering, architecture, construction, environmental, and consulting solutions firm committed to delivering projects driven by safety, innovation, and client satisfaction. With a comprehensive range of services that support infrastructure, energy, environmental management, and various industrial sectors, the company is dedicated to sustainable practices and forward-thinking strategies. Its Environmental Services Global Practice focuses on environmental science and compliance, emphasizing integrity, dedication, and outstanding service to meet complex environmental challenges. Burns & McDonnell employs a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to tailor solutions for specific regulatory and technical requirements across multiple industries including petrochemical plants, power generation facilities, renewable fuels, industrial sites, and water treatment plants. This ensures that projects not only comply with regulations but also promote environmental stewardship and sustainable development throughout their lifecycle.

The Staff Environmental Scientist role at Burns & McDonnell represents a critical position within the Environmental Services Global Practice, supporting National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, water quality studies, environmental assessments, and compliance efforts. This full-time position based primarily in Raleigh, North Carolina, with additional opportunities in Richmond, Virginia, involves approximately 20 percent travel to client sites and project locations. The Staff Environmental Scientist is responsible for applying environmental regulatory knowledge to develop and implement effective strategies addressing current and future technical and regulatory challenges associated with water quality and wastewater management. Duties include evaluating wastewater and stormwater discharges, developing permitting approaches, conducting water quality modeling using advanced tools like CORMIX, QUAL2K, and WASP, preparing permit applications and associated environmental studies such as reasonable potential and antidegradation analyses, as well as 316(b) assessments and ELG applicability reviews.

The role demands a strong foundation in environmental science, with at least four years of professional experience and prior exposure to consulting preferred. Candidates must possess substantial knowledge of federal and state water quality regulations, particularly Section 402 of the Clean Water Act, and be familiar with the technical intricacies of wastewater and stormwater systems. The Staff Environmental Scientist will also conduct compliance inspections, prepare operational and construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, contributing to comprehensive environmental compliance for varied industrial operations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, high attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are essential to succeed in this role.

Burns & McDonnell offers a dynamic and supportive environment to foster professional growth within a diverse and forward-thinking company that values safety, client satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. The Staff Environmental Scientist will have the opportunity to engage in challenging projects foundational to sustainable industrial development, contributing significantly to environmental protection initiatives and regulatory compliance standards. This role offers a meaningful career path to leverage scientific expertise and environmental regulatory acumen to deliver impactful, compliant, and innovative solutions on complex projects.