Environmental Scientist Jobs in Oregon

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an Environmental Scientist to our water resources environmental team based in Portland, OR.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For 60 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Position Summary:

We’re currently seeking an Environmental Scientist to join our team of biologists, environmental planners, and engineers who specialize in aquatic habitat restoration, biological studies, environmental assessments, permit applications, and NEPA documentation for projects throughout the West Coast and Alaska. Our team has worked on several exciting and impactful projects, including:

• Environmental review of an 800,000-acre-foot groundwater bank in California
• Wetland restoration on islands in the Columbia River
• Salton Sea Restoration Project
• Endangered Species Act / Marine Mammal Protection Act compliance for U.S. Coast Guard bases in Alaska and the West Coast
• Wildlife monitoring on the Santa Ana River

This position offers hands-on technical experience, exposure to diverse project types, and clear opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the firm.

Essential Job Functions:

The following duties are essential to this role. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Conduct field surveys related to vegetation, wildlife habitat, and riverine features throughout the Pacific Northwest.
• Perform GIS mapping and data analysis to support project planning, environmental review, and reporting.
• Prepare, review, and analyze environmental documentation under NEPA, SEPA, and CEQA processes.
• Conduct wetland delineations in accordance with applicable methodologies and regulatory standards.
• Apply wetland and stream rapid assessment methodologies in California, Oregon, and Washington.
• Conduct fisheries studies and fish monitoring activities to support biological assessments and project compliance.
• Support Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance efforts, including technical documentation and field-based assessments.
• Prepare and oversee the development of environmental permits, including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 permits.
• Support stream and wetland restoration planning and implementation activities.
• Assist with business development efforts related to biological and environmental services.

Requirements Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in environmental sciences, including NEPA, permitting, GIS, surveying, water quality, and wetland delineations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local plant, fish, and/or wildlife species and their habitat requirements.
• Proven ability to research and prepare reports on environmental disciplines, regulations, and policies, including NEPA, SEPA, and ESA documentation.
• Experience with federal, state, and local environmental permitting regulations and processes.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with regulatory agency staff, co-workers, management, clients, and the public.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver work products on time.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with GPS equipment and ArcGIS software.
• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel to project sites throughout the Western Coast of the United States, with work primarily performed within 1–2 hours of Portland, Oregon. This position may require up to 15% annual travel, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to perform fieldwork in rugged and/or muddy conditions for extended periods, including walking, standing, bending, and kneeling.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, wind, and cold.
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit at a workstation and use a computer for extended periods, up to 8 hours per day, with additional hours as needed.
• Manual dexterity to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other tools.
• Ability to read and interpret documents.
• Strong communication skills, both in person and electronically.

Additional Information:

• This position is based in our Portland, OR office on a hybrid schedule.
• This position is scheduled for full-time work (40 hours/week) with a typical schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
• Additional hours may be required based on project needs (e.g., early start times and prolonged field efforts).
• Combination of office-based and outdoor field environments.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.