Job Summary:
The Experienced Senior, Environmental Scientist supports environmental review and compliance activities for Puerto Rico projects subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other applicable federal, state, and local environmental requirements. Responsibilities include preparing and reviewing environmental documentation, coordinating technical reviews, and supporting project teams in achieving regulatory compliance. The role primarily supports U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, including Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT), helping ensure timely, accurate, and compliant project delivery.
Job Duties:
- Conducts and manages environmental reviews for moderately complex projects in compliance with NEPA, 24 CFR Part 58, and other applicable federal, state, and local environmental requirements
- Prepares, reviews, and coordinates environmental documentation, including Environmental Review Records (ERRs), Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs), Requests for Release of Funds (RROFs), and required public notices
- Evaluates environmental impacts and develops appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures to support project compliance and decision-making
- Assists management in planning, coordinating, and monitoring environmental review activities to support project schedules, priorities, and program objectives
- Serves as a key point of contact with PRDOH, project teams, consultants, and regulatory agencies throughout the environmental review process
- Coordinates technical studies and integrates discipline-specific findings, including cultural resources, biological resources, hazardous materials, noise, floodplain, and wetland analyses, into project documentation
- Performs quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews to ensure environmental documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with HUD requirements
- Provides technical guidance and support to project teams and junior staff on environmental compliance requirements and review procedures
- Supports agency consultations, public involvement activities, and interagency coordination required under applicable environmental laws and regulations
- Tracks project milestones, deliverables, and environmental review schedules to facilitate timely completion of project requirements
- Assists management with process improvements, development of standard templates, and implementation of best practices to promote consistency and efficiency across projects
Other duties as required
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Supervisory Responsibilities:
Provides mentorship and technical guidance to staff
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Urban and Environmental Planning, or Geography, required
A graduate degree (Master’s or Juris Doctor) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Policy, Public Administration (with an environmental focus), Natural Resources Management, Environmental Law, preferred
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Experience:
- Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience supporting environmental review, compliance, or regulatory processes, required
Strong knowledge of Puerto Rico’s natural resources, ecological systems, and environmental regulatory framework, with applicability to environmental review processes under federal and local requirements, preferred
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Certifications/Licensure:
N/A
Software:
- Demonstrated proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and database applications, with the ability to manage and organize technical information effectively, required
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ESRI platforms (ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online) to support environmental analysis and documentation, preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe applications (Word, Excel, and PDF-based review/comment tools), preferred
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Other Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, well-supported, and compliant environmental review documentation
- Working knowledge of applicable federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and HUD environmental requirements under 24 CFR Part 58
- Familiarity with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and its application to environmental compliance, documentation standards, and federal program requirements
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to ensure accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance in environmental documentation
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines, priorities, and concurrent workflows in a fast-paced, client-focused project delivery environment
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more !
*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
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