Environmental Scientist

Sphere 3 Environmental is seeking an experienced Environmental Scientist to lead technical compliance initiatives, complex environmental audits, and regulatory strategies for a diverse client base with a strong focus in the oil and gas industry. This role is responsible for driving technical excellence across environmental programs, serving as a subject matter expert (SME), and mentoring junior scientific staff while ensuring all work strictly adheres to federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Execution: Complete and lead scientific and technical components of complex environmental compliance projects, including multimedia permitting, comprehensive audits, and advanced regulatory reporting.
• Serve as Technical Subject Matter Expert: Act as a key technical advisor and client-facing specialist, providing expert guidance on environmental regulations and compliance frameworks (e.g., EPA, TCEQ, RRC, NMED, NMOCD, CWA, CAA).
• Author & Direct Regulatory Filings: Oversee and personally author high-level permit applications, technical assessment reports, compliance documentation, and agency correspondence.
• Field Investigation & Auditing: Design, conduct, and oversee rigorous site visits, environmental compliance audits, inspections, and multimedia sampling programs as required.
• Technical Mentorship & Quality Control: Provide mentorship, technical training, and daily oversight to junior scientists, engineers, and GIS specialists. Ensure rigorous quality control (QC) and scientific validity across all project deliverables.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Evaluate complex technical, environmental, and regulatory risks, formulating scientifically sound mitigation strategies and engineering/scientific solutions.
• Scope & Proposal Support: Assist in business development and proposal preparation by defining technical scopes of work, methodologies, and cost estimates for client pursuits.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Coordinate effectively with internal technical teams and external subcontractors to ensure seamless execution of multidisciplinary environmental projects.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related scientific field (Master's degree preferred).
• Experience: Minimum 3+ years of progressive experience in environmental science, regulatory compliance, or technical environmental consulting, with a significant emphasis on the oil and gas sector.
• Regulatory Expertise: Deep technical working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations (EPA, TCEQ, RRC, NMED, NMOCD, etc.) and their practical application to industrial operations.
• Technical Proficiency: Proven track record of conducting site investigations, writing complex technical reports, and successfully navigating regulatory agency negotiations.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific data into clear recommendations for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Software/Tools: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with environmental data management, modeling, and GIS software is strongly preferred.
• Mobility: Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to industrial and field sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized Experience: Prior consulting experience serving industrial, oil and gas, mining, or government clients, including experience with federal environmental programs or litigation support.