Environmental Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Environmental Scientist jobs in Virginia are in steady demand, with openings concentrated in federal consulting, state regulatory compliance, and Chesapeake Bay restoration work across entry-level through senior positions. The busiest hiring corridors are the Northern Virginia/D.C. metro, Richmond, and Norfolk, where employers like AECOM, Leidos, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality maintain ongoing staffing needs. The most sought-after specialties are stormwater management, NEPA compliance, and wetlands permitting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Role description:
Arcadis is seeking a detail oriented, well organized Environmental Scientist to join our team in Virginia Beach, VA. While this position requires both field and office work, the candidate should expect to spend 50% to 75% of their time in the field. Candidates must have a good driving record, be willing to work outside in all weather conditions and for extended periods. Field work may be performed at project sites with environmental media (e.g., soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, etc.) that has been impacted with hazardous substances and/or hazardous wastes. Candidates must also be able to meet the physical demands associated with performing field work, including lifting heavy equipment, working in a standing position for extended periods of time, etc
You will have the opportunity to join a dedicated team that prioritizes mentorship and your professional growth. The team is committed to supporting your success and providing guidance as you navigate your role.
As part of our Resilience Environment team, you’ll help improve quality of life.
Role accountabilities:
As an Environmental Scientist, you will be responsible for assisting Project Managers (PMs) and Task Managers (TMs) in planning and executing environmental site characterization, investigation, and remediation tasks.
Fieldwork will also be a key aspect of this position. As an environmental professional, you will be working both independently and with others performing fieldwork in all weather conditions which may include drilling oversight for soil sampling and/or groundwater well installation, groundwater sampling, excavation oversight, in-situ remediation, operation and maintenance of remediation systems, and vapor intrusion/soil gas surveys. Some of these tasks will require subcontractor oversight. It is essential to conduct fieldwork with a focus on health and safety.
Extensive and detailed note taking is required along with coordination and communication with Project Managers (PMs) and other office staff. Additionally, you will assist PMs and Assistant PMs (APMs) with planning environmental investigation and remediation tasks, and assist with writing and preparing technical reports, work plans, letters, and memorandum. Office work may include task coordination, data compilation and interpretation, health & safety plan preparation, and report writing.
Your core duties will include:
- Prepare subcontracts and oversee the work of subcontractors.
- Writing and preparing technical reports, work plans, letters, and memoranda.
- Office work may include task coordination, data compilation and interpretation, cost estimates, health & safety plan preparation, report writing, regulatory file reviews, proposal writing, project strategy development, schedule and budget management, and establishment of subcontracts.
- Conduct field work including soil, groundwater, and/or vapor sampling in the field. Field work may require regional business travel for up to 1-2 days per week on average.
Qualifications & Experience:
Required Qualifications:
- BA or BS in Environmental Science, Geology or related field
- 2+ years experience in the field is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current OSHA HAZWOPER 40 HR / 8 HR training
- Previous industry, consulting, or regulatory internship experience
Why Arcadis?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $58,320 - $87,480. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
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See All 12 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Virginia
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Find Environmental Scientist JobsEnvironmental Scientist Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Scientist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Education
- Construction & Real Estate
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental scientist jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental science, geology, or a closely related field
- Familiarity with Virginia DEQ regulations and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area requirements
- Experience conducting Phase I or Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
- Proficiency with GIS software for environmental mapping and spatial data analysis
- Working knowledge of NEPA review processes and federal permitting requirements
- Strong written communication skills for technical reports and agency correspondence
Environmental Scientist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental scientist in Virginia?
Most environmental scientist positions in Virginia require at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, or biology, with many employers preferring a master's for senior roles. Virginia does not require a state-issued environmental scientist license for most positions, but obtaining a Professional Geologist license through the Virginia Board for Geology strengthens candidacy for site assessment and subsurface work. Certifications such as the CHMM or CPESC are valued for hazardous materials and erosion control roles.
How much do environmental scientists make in Virginia?
Environmental scientists in Virginia earn a median of about $82,230 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $57,720 for the lowest 10% to over $135,580 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental scientists in Virginia?
Employers hiring environmental scientists in Virginia right now include Dewberry, Arcadis, and RK&K, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal agencies and large defense contractors in Northern Virginia means many openings involve NEPA compliance, environmental remediation, or natural resource management tied to federal infrastructure projects.
Which Virginia cities have the most environmental scientist jobs?
The cities with the most environmental scientist openings in Virginia are Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Virginia. Northern Virginia drives volume through its dense cluster of federal agencies and environmental consulting firms serving D.C., while Richmond anchors state regulatory and utility work, and Hampton Roads openings are shaped by naval installation environmental programs and coastal restoration projects along the Chesapeake Bay.
Are there remote environmental scientist jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're limited. Environmental science is largely a field-based profession, so fully remote roles are the exception rather than the rule. About 80% of environmental scientist openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve desk-side work such as NEPA document preparation, GIS analysis, or technical report writing rather than site investigation or field sampling.
How can I get hired as a environmental scientist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for environmental technician or field technician roles, which require less independent judgment and are the positions Virginia consulting firms and state agencies use to bring in new graduates. Employers like AECOM, Arcadis, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality regularly bring on junior staff for data collection, field sampling, and compliance monitoring. A GIS certification, completed coursework in wetlands or water quality, or volunteer experience with a Chesapeake Bay conservation program gives a candidate a concrete edge over peers with identical degrees.
Where can I find and apply to environmental scientist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to environmental scientist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings. Search the available roles, find positions that match your background and interests, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 12 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Virginia
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