Environmental Scientist/Ecologist

EnSafe is accepting applications for an experienced Ecological Risk Assessor, to join our team in one of our 20 primary office locations, which include: Jacksonville, Florida; Pensacola, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee; and Dallas, Texas. Fully remote and/or hybrid work may be considered based on experience. This is a full-time position, but may consider part-time for the right fit.

EnSafe is an employee-owned, global environmental consulting and engineering firm. We strive to provide cutting-edge, creative solutions for our clients. EnSafe specializes in custom solutions in Environmental Management and Planning, Civil Design Engineering, Environmental Restoration, Natural & Water Resources, Health & Safety, and Technology with offices operating within the US.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Contribute to the development of conceptual site models over the course of the site investigation process including identification of potentially complete exposure pathways to ecological receptors.
• Serve as technical lead in the preparation of screening level ecological risk assessments following USEPA Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Department of the Navy Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance, and regional or state-specific guidance.
• Apply constantly expanding toxicological knowledge of emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS) to the risk assessment process.
• Design site-specific studies as a component of the baseline ecological risk assessment: e.g., toxicity testing studies, bioaccumulation studies.
• Interpret toxicity test reports provided by toxicity laboratories, and in combination with site-specific chemical data, use statistical methods to determine if biological response may be attributed to site-related contamination.
• Derive bioaccumulation/bioconcentration factors for aquatic and terrestrial organisms using site-specific soil, water, sediment, and tissue data.
• Develop risk-based remedial goal objectives.
• Clearly communicate technical findings in an understandable manner (written and/or verbal) to regulatory partners and team members of various disciplines.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior and mid-level ecological risk assessors.
• Complete assignments within budget and schedule.
• Support business development.
• Work within a team to provide creative solutions to client challenges.

Other responsibilities may include:

• Technical review of human health risk assessments.
• Statistical analysis, background studies, general technical writing, and broader client support activities in alignment with employee-specific skill sets and interests.

Ecological Risk Assessor Qualifications:

• BS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline. Advanced degrees strongly preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of experience leading ecological risk assessments under CERCLA and/or RCRA regulatory framework, or highly relevant related experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of ecological risk assessment concepts including the scientific basis of media-specific screening values, parameters that impact bioavailability, and site-specific evaluation of toxicity and bioaccumulation.
• Exemplary technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Solution-oriented mindset.
• Experience in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Familiarity with specialized federal law (e.g., Endangered Species Act, Wetlands Regulations) is a bonus.
• Experience with PFAS preferred.
• Understanding multiple state and federal regulatory frameworks is a bonus.

About Us:

EnSafe began as a two-person firm in 1980, navigating complex regulatory compliance issues on behalf of our clients. We nurture our people with growth and development opportunities. We build enduring, trustful relationships with each of our clients, with a focus on high ethical and safety standards. We build this reputation by attracting high-quality people and retaining them for the long term.

At EnSafe, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at our company.

EnSafe is committed to being an EEO employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age (except for bona fide occupational qualifications), sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military or veteran status, any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, or association with a person on the basis on one or more of the foregoing.

Check us out on the web at www.ensafe.com