Environmental Scientist / Regulatory Specialist

ABOUT THE POSITION

Environmental Scientist / Regulatory Specialist | Richmond, VA

VHB is seeking an Environmental Scientist / Regulatory Specialist to join our growing Energy & Environmental team in Richmond, VA. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced environmental professional to support electric transmission and energy infrastructure projects throughout Virginia. The ideal candidate will have direct experience with environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder coordination, particularly in support of utility-scale energy projects.

This is a hybrid role with work split between the client site, remote work, and in-office work based in Richmond, VA. The successful candidate will contribute to critical infrastructure development by helping clients navigate regulatory landscapes while ensuring environmental stewardship and compliance.

Responsibilities

Support environmental permitting tasks for electric transmission and energy infrastructure projects across Virginia
• Prepare, review, and coordinate environmental sections of State Corporation Commission (SCC) applications
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and environmental specialists to develop comprehensive permitting strategies
• Interpret and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including but not limited to DEQ, USACE, and SCC requirements
• Participate in project meetings with clients, agencies, and stakeholders to provide regulatory insight and support
• Assist in preparing and submitting environmental permit applications, regulatory correspondence, and supporting documentation
• Track permit status, respond to agency information requests, and manage compliance obligations
• Support agency coordination, including pre-application meetings and site visits

Skills and Attributes

• In-depth knowledge of environmental permitting processes in Virginia, particularly for electric transmission or other linear energy infrastructure
• Familiarity with Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) requirements and process
• Understanding of applicable environmental regulations, including Clean Water Act (Sections 401/404), Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Permit Program, and NEPA
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex regulatory information to clients and stakeholders
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Detail-oriented with strong technical writing and document review capabilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; GIS and data analysis experience a plus
• Team player with a collaborative mindset and proactive approach to problem-solving

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Environmental Policy, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, with preference for electric transmission or utility-related experience in Virginia
• Direct experience with Virginia permitting agencies such as DEQ, USACE, DCR, and SCC
• Experience working with or supporting electric utilities or energy clients is strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of federal and state permitting frameworks, including NEPA, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, coordinating with both remote and on-site teams

We are VHB! We're an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We're growing, and we hope you'll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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