Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
3+ years of experience in environmental science, regulatory compliance, or consulting, particularly in oil and gas.
In-depth knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations (EPA, TCEQ, RRC, etc.).
Experience in conducting site investigations and writing complex technical reports.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for translating scientific data into actionable insights.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with environmental data management and GIS software preferred.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to field sites.
Responsibilities
Lead scientific and technical components of environmental compliance projects, including permitting and audits.
Act as a technical advisor and client-facing specialist on environmental regulations.
Oversee and author high-level permit applications and compliance documentation.
Conduct and oversee site visits, audits, and multimedia sampling programs.
Mentor junior scientists and ensure quality control across project deliverables.
Evaluate environmental and regulatory risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Support business development by defining technical scopes and methodologies.
Benefits
Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
Engagement in diverse and impactful environmental projects.
Collaborative work environment with interdisciplinary teams.
Exposure to a variety of regulatory frameworks and compliance challenges.
Full Job Description
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.
