Ocean Career: Marine Scientist at HDR

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services.

While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

The marine ecosystem spans a massive breadth of coastal estuaries, bays, gulfs, open ocean, and sea mounts, and includes a wide diversity of life. Projects from port expansions and jetty construction to offshore oil and wind developments and military operations require scientific and regulatory assistance to obtain environmental permits and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to marine habitats and species. HDR’s marine science team supports projects throughout the country from concept to completion by conducting baseline studies, preparing permitting documentation and performing protected species observations and compliance investigations during project conceptualization, construction, and operation.

HDR seeks a strategic-minded Mid to Senior-Level Marine Scientist to join our Alaska Marine Sciences program to work as a member of a high-performing team on a variety of natural resource assessments to support development of public and private infrastructure projects throughout Alaska. The focus of this position will be providing support for clients and projects in Alaska, but may include support for marketing and project delivery for projects throughout the U.S.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Serving as technical lead and/or project manager to support HDR’s clients with baseline environmental and regulatory compliance for marine resources, including:
• - offering and executing strategic advice around meeting environmental regulatory requirements;
• - leading marine baseline studies;
• - preparing documents and acquiring or modifying permits relevant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other U.S. environmental regulation affecting marine or terrestrial wildlife;
• - developing project scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates and managing projects’ financial key performance indicators to complete work on schedule and within budget;
• - interfacing with clients, regulatory agencies, and/or other environmental consultants to grow and maintain relationships, identify business opportunities, understand critical path issues, and foster teaming partnerships;
• Supporting business development by working with local and national marketing staff to identify and pursue new project opportunities.

Work will be conducted independently as well as on teams. This is a full-time regular position based in our Anchorage, Alaska office.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in environmental science or related field
• Experience in environmental permit application preparation and negotiation with the following:
• - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Marine Mammal Protection Act authorizations
• - NMFS and USFWS Endangered Species Act consultations
• - National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document preparation
• Experience in marine mammal environmental baseline studies and/or monitoring
• Effective leader with ability to build and work as part of diverse teams including technical experts, regulatory specialists, engineering staff, construction contractors, and client and agency representatives
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial, strategic, and client-focused approach
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
• A commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
• A demonstrated commitment to safety and quality

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in Biology, Marine Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or related field
• 15 years of professional experience in environmental science or related field
• 5 to 10 years of experience in environmental project management including developing and executing project scope, schedule, and budgets and managing project risk
• Experience in business development and marketing
• Previous consulting industry experience
• Familiarity with Alaska regulatory environment, Alaska markets, and public and private client groups

Primary Location: United States-Alaska-Anchorage
Schedule: Full-time
Business Class: Marine Planning and Sciences