Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Environmental Consultant

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about solving complex environmental challenges and guiding clients toward sustainable business practices? As an Environmental Consultant, you will be the cornerstone of our client's success, acting as a technical expert and trusted advisor on a wide range of environmental matters. You'll manage projects from inception to completion, conducting critical site assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing strategies to mitigate environmental risks. This role is perfect for a proactive problem-solver who thrives on fieldwork, data analysis, and client interaction, making a tangible impact on both the environment and our clients' operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Environmental Scientist / Field Scientist
Geologist / Hydrogeologist
Environmental Field Technician
Regulatory Compliance Specialist

Advancement To:

Senior Environmental Consultant
Project Manager / Senior Project Manager
Practice Leader / Group Manager
Client Account Manager

Lateral Moves:

Corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Manager
Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist
Sustainability Consultant
Regulatory Affairs Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in accordance with ASTM E1527 standards to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) for real estate and M&A transactions.
Manage and execute Phase II ESA investigations, including the development of sampling and analysis plans, subcontractor oversight for soil and groundwater drilling, and interpretation of laboratory data.
Prepare high-quality, technically sound reports, proposals, and regulatory correspondence that clearly communicate findings and recommendations to clients and government agencies.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA, Clean Water Act) to advise clients on compliance pathways and risk management strategies.
Manage project lifecycle, including scoping, budget development and tracking, scheduling of resources and deliverables, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Perform environmental compliance audits for industrial and commercial facilities, identifying gaps and providing actionable recommendations for corrective measures.
Provide technical oversight and support for environmental remediation projects, from feasibility studies and technology selection to remedial design, implementation, and system monitoring.
Develop and implement plans for soil, groundwater, and soil vapor sampling to accurately characterize the nature and extent of subsurface contamination.
Act as a primary point of contact for clients, legal counsel, and regulatory agency personnel, facilitating clear communication and navigating complex negotiations.
Evaluate potential environmental liabilities, cleanup costs, and associated business risks in support of due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Prepare key regulatory documents, including Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), and air/water/waste permit applications.
Conduct site reconnaissance, including physical inspections, interviews with knowledgeable site contacts, and thorough reviews of historical records and government database files.
Oversee field activities, ensuring all work is conducted safely and in accordance with company and client-specific Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).

Secondary Functions

Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to junior-level staff, including the review and editing of their fieldwork documentation and draft reports.
Support business development efforts by identifying new project opportunities with existing clients and participating in the preparation of competitive proposals for new prospects.
Manage and coordinate with a network of subcontractors, including drilling companies, analytical laboratories, and remediation contractors, to ensure quality and timeliness of services.
Analyze and visualize complex environmental datasets using software such as GIS, Surfer, or other modeling tools to support conceptual site models and reporting.
Conduct specialized industrial hygiene assessments, including surveys for asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint, and mold, and develop corresponding abatement or management plans.
Assist clients in developing and implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMS) that align with their operational goals and international standards like ISO 14001.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to solve unique client challenges.
Contribute to the organization's technical knowledge base by sharing project learnings and participating in internal practice groups.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Environmental Site Assessments: Deep proficiency in conducting Phase I & II ESAs according to ASTM standards (E1527, E1903) for due diligence and site characterization.
Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act.
Technical Writing: Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and defensible technical reports, work plans, and regulatory correspondence.
Field Sampling Techniques: Hands-on experience with soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, and soil vapor sampling methodologies and equipment.
Data Interpretation: Skill in interpreting geological, hydrogeological, and chemical analytical data to develop conceptual site models and risk-based conclusions.
Remediation Technologies: Familiarity with a range of environmental remediation strategies and technologies for soil and groundwater contamination.
GIS/Data Visualization: Competency using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) for site mapping, data visualization, and spatial analysis.
Health & Safety Compliance: Current 40-hour HAZWOPER certification and a strong understanding of health and safety protocols for hazardous waste sites.

Soft Skills

Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Client Communication & Management: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for building rapport with clients, understanding their needs, and managing expectations.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues, and develop creative, practical, and technically sound solutions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data collection, analysis, and report preparation to ensure technical accuracy and quality.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A collaborative spirit with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior staff.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field.

Preferred Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant field.
Professional certifications such as Professional Geologist (P.G.), Professional Engineer (P.E.), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science
Geology or Hydrogeology
Environmental Engineering
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Biology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-10 years of professional experience in environmental consulting or a directly related field.

Preferred:

Direct experience managing environmental due diligence and site investigation/remediation projects from start to finish.
Experience serving clients in sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, oil & gas, or legal.
A proven track record of successful client and regulatory agency interaction.