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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Environment Consultant

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

Environmental ScienceConsultingSustainabilityEHSESG

🎯 Role Definition

As an Environment Consultant, you will be a strategic partner to our clients, providing expert advice and technical solutions to navigate the intricate world of environmental regulations, risk management, and sustainability. You will be responsible for the entire project lifecycle, from initial site investigation and data analysis to report generation and client consultation. This role requires a blend of technical field expertise, in-depth regulatory knowledge, and strong project management skills to deliver high-quality, actionable insights that help clients achieve their compliance and sustainability objectives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Environmental Scientist
  • Field Geologist / Technician
  • EHS Coordinator / Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Senior Environment Consultant
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Director / Practice Leader

Lateral Moves:

  • Corporate Sustainability Manager
  • EHS Manager (Industry)
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead and conduct Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in accordance with ASTM E1527-21 standards to identify potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities for real estate transactions.
  • Manage and execute Phase II ESAs, including the development of sampling and analysis plans, coordination of drilling and field activities, and interpretation of soil, groundwater, and vapor data.
  • Provide expert guidance on environmental compliance, interpreting federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., RCRA, CWA, CAA, CERCLA) to ensure client operations remain compliant.
  • Prepare and submit complex environmental permit applications, renewals, and modifications for air, water, and waste programs to regulatory agencies.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive Environmental Management Systems (EMS) based on standards like ISO 14001, including conducting gap analyses and internal audits.
  • Author and review high-quality technical reports, environmental impact statements (EIS), and remedial action plans, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and regulatory defensibility.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing regular project updates, strategic advice, and managing expectations to foster strong, long-term relationships.
  • Interface and negotiate with regulatory agency personnel (e.g., EPA, state environmental protection agencies) on behalf of clients to resolve compliance issues and secure permit approvals.
  • Manage the full scope of environmental projects, including defining project objectives, developing budgets, scheduling resources, and ensuring timely delivery of milestones.
  • Perform environmental due diligence for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), quantifying environmental liabilities and risks to inform business decisions.
  • Conduct site-specific compliance audits and inspections to assess operational adherence to environmental permits, plans, and regulations, and develop corrective action plans.
  • Develop Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), and other required environmental contingency plans.
  • Evaluate and design remediation strategies for contaminated sites, including feasibility studies, cost estimation, and technology selection for soil and groundwater cleanup.
  • Provide strategic consulting on sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, including data collection for reporting frameworks like GRI, SASB, and CDP.
  • Perform risk assessments to evaluate the potential impact of contaminants on human health and the environment, utilizing models and data to inform risk management decisions.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior-level environmental scientists and field staff, promoting a culture of safety and technical excellence.

Secondary Functions

  • Support business development efforts by assisting with proposal writing, developing scopes of work, and participating in client presentations and interviews.
  • Stay current with emerging environmental regulations, industry trends, and new technologies to provide forward-thinking advice to clients and the internal team.
  • Conduct data analysis and visualization using tools like GIS and Excel to interpret environmental data and communicate findings effectively in reports and presentations.
  • Manage subcontractors, including drilling companies, analytical laboratories, and remediation contractors, ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to project budgets.
  • Participate in and lead health and safety (H&S) planning for field projects, preparing Health and Safety Plans (HASPs) and ensuring compliance during site activities.
  • Contribute to thought leadership by authoring articles, presenting at industry conferences, or participating in professional organizations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
  • Environmental regulations (RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA)
  • Technical report writing and data analysis
  • Project Management (budgeting, scheduling, scoping)
  • Soil, groundwater, and air sampling techniques
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (e.g., ArcGIS)
  • Environmental Management Systems (e.g., ISO 14001)
  • Remediation technologies and strategies
  • Health & Safety (H&S) plan development (OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER)
  • Subcontractor and client management

Soft Skills

  • Client Management & Communication
  • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Negotiation & Persuasion
  • Attention to Detail
  • Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment
  • Leadership and Mentoring

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Science or Engineering
  • Geology or Hydrogeology
  • Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-10 years of experience in environmental consulting or a related EHS field.

Preferred:

  • Professional certification such as Professional Geologist (P.G.), Professional Engineer (P.E.), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is highly desirable.
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