Staff Scientist I

About the role

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose!

At Verdantas, we're redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure.

Our commitment to excellence, across more than 90 offices, is championed by a team of over 2,000 experts, scientists, engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture, prioritizing the well-being of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. We don't just solve problems; we help shape a more sustainable future.

Join a people-first culture that values your well-being, empowers your growth, and amplifies your impact. At Verdantas, your career goes beyond the expected, and your work helps build a better world.

Ready to shape the future of resilient communities?

Our Richmond, VA office is looking for an ambitious Scientist I to join our growing environmental team.

As a Scientist I, you'll gain hands-on experience contributing to site development and remediation projects that improve the community's environmental health and resiliency. With an experienced team by your side, you'll explore a wide range of impactful work, from assessing sites and investigating brownfields to designing cleanup plans and navigating regulations.

The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm for environmental work and a desire to help create a more sustainable world. They're ready to build technical experience, thrive in a team setting, communicate openly, welcome feedback, and stay sharp with details, especially in the field.

When joining our team, you will be welcomed into an environment that values what you bring to the table, supports continuous growth in your field, and celebrates the accomplishments you achieve. Ranked the #1 firm to work for in 2025 by Zweig Group and Verdantas employees, you won't be just joining a firm; you'll be investing in a strong foundation for your career.

What You'll Do

• Conduct inspections at various project sites to ensure compliance with Standards and Specifications (Erosion & Sediment and Stormwater Management) and local, state, and federal regulations, as applicable
• Provide coaching and guidance to on-site personnel regarding environmental compliance, E&SC maintenance/repair, and stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) book documentation requirements
• Perform stormwater management inspections on operational facilities and evaluation of their best management practices (BMPs)
• Day trips to sites 4-5 days per week with home office time for reports and administrative tasks

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, or Geology is preferred, or a related field (e.g., construction, civil development)
• 0-2 years of experience with erosion, sediment, and stormwater management
• Dual certification (stormwater and erosion & sediment inspector) or comparable experience is preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to write effective daily reports
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

Salary Range

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications of the candidate as it relates to the position description

Benefits

• Flexible Work Environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off + Holidays

Verdantas strives to develop new ways to increase diversity awareness within our organization. For us, it is imperative to build balanced teams from all walks of life and we believe that a diverse workforce is a stronger workforce.