Environmental Scientist

Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) is currently searching for a motivated individual to join our Environmental Science team in our Houston, TX office. The candidate can expect to work on a wide variety of projects including, but not limited to water infrastructure and planning, flood risk reduction, ecological monitoring and restoration, transportation, ports and navigation, and energy development. Clients mostly consist of state, federal, and municipal entities, with some NGO and private industry work.

Qualified candidates must have a background in ecology/biology and an understanding of terrestrial and aquatic ecology with a strong emphasis on field skills (plant identification, soil classification, qualitative and quantitative sampling, mapping, etc). The candidate must also have the ability to understand various environmental compliance requirements, such as those pertaining to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This position will assist Project Managers with the preparation of high-quality technical presentations, reports, letters, plans, and proposals necessary to support environmental compliance of projects, such as Section 404 Clean Water Act permit applications and preparation of NEPA documentation. The ideal candidate would also have interest in assisting with remediation efforts, environmental site assessments, affected property assessments, environmental monitoring, and stormwater pollution prevention planning.

This position requires strong technical writing and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently and cooperatively within a team environment, data management, processing and interpretation skills and the ability to interface effectively with clients (both internal and external to the firm).

In this position will also perform data entry and produce data tables, maps, reports, and other work products, candidates will be expected to utilize various software and equipment properly and efficiently.

The candidate must be willing to travel, with overnight travel common. Travel may be required for up to 40% of the time. Most work is within Texas in coastal and inland environments; some out-of-state work is possible. Strenuous work conditions and periodic work in inclement weather are possible. Must be able to lift over 50 pounds. Must be comfortable working or traveling short distances to field sites by boat. Preferred candidates would have off-road driving experience as well as experience towing trailers; candidates lacking this experience must be willing to learn. Some examples of field work could include waters of the US delineations (wetlands), freshwater mussel surveys, remediation/restoration oversight, oyster surveys, seagrass mapping, water quality sampling, soil sampling, or habitat assessments. A valid Texas drivers license and pre-employment drug screen is required.

• Bachelors degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Rangeland Ecology, or similar ecological field
• 1+ years of experience.
• Ability to utilize software including Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A valid drivers license

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. degree in ecological field or similar is preferred.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations
• Familiarity with natural resources and issues in Texas and other U.S. Gulf States
• Familiarity with ESRI mapping applications (Arc Field Maps, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online) and experience using GPS units in the field.

At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values (Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, and Serve always). Each year, our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and our employees live our values.

We strive to be the firm of choice for clients and employees through innovative approaches, practical results, and outstanding service. For more than 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need: developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.

Besides our comprehensive benefits package (see more at ), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico. We are proud of our flexible work environment which includes a hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work, and an alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday.

Join our team of 1,300+ employees as we grow from Virginia to Colorado. Learn more about working here at .

Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.