Environmental Review & Advisory Specialist

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Position Summary

The Environmental Review & Advisory Specialist I supports the VIMS mandated advisory mission and operates collaboratively and independently with full authority of the Office of Research and Advisory Services (ORAS).

The position reports to the Assistant Dean of Research & Advisory Services with primary responsibility for development and delivery of advisory services and products to a broad governmental and non-governmental client base.

Core responsibilities include:

• Serve as point of contact for ORAS advisory requests and as a point of coordination for the development and delivery of advisory data and products to clients.
• Conduct unbiased, science-based environmental reviews, including field site visits, of regulated projects through the Joint Permit Application (JPA) request process, subject to Virginia locality and agency authority impacting the natural resources of the Commonwealth including shoreline erosion control, tidal wetlands, subaqueous lands, and/or beaches and dunes.
• Provide information regarding potential environmental consequences, including options for reduction of potential impacts and guidance on compensatory mitigation strategies for the state regulatory agency's consideration in permitting decisions.
• Coordinate with faculty and staff to develop interdisciplinary advisory, research, and data products and act as the Institute's representative for services and products.
• Represent ORAS and VIMS for select technical, regulatory, and policy bodies external to the Institute, as needed.

The position serves as a scientific advisor and environmental reviewer supporting the Commonwealth's natural resource management and regulatory decision-making processes through objective, science-based evaluation and communication of environmental impacts associated with regulated activities in Virginia's marine and coastal environments.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Marine Biology, Coastal Geology, Estuarine Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering, or other closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the position.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in scientific research, science communication, and translation of scientific information to resource management issues.
• Experience reviewing and understanding scientific and technical information and translating relevant information to end users, environmental managers, and/or policy makers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong foundation of marine and estuarine science, environmental sciences, and working knowledge of research and science-based advisory activities.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS).
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in database management.
• Strong writing skills with demonstrated ability to develop accurate, comprehensive, and concise documents summarizing multiple scientific and technical information sources.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to professionally and collegially interact with Institute faculty and staff and external clients.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to conduct field site visits and work successfully in outdoor environments.
• Ability to communicate scientific and technical information to diverse audiences including scientists, regulators, government officials, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Terminal degree in Marine Biology, Coastal Geology, Estuarine Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering, or other closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, jurisdictions, and policies relevant to Virginia natural resource management and the VIMS advisory mission.
• Strong technical skills with the ability to read engineering and design drawings, documents, and site plans.

Experience

• Experience reviewing and understanding engineering information and translating relevant information to advisory issues.
• Experience with publication of peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
• Experience supporting environmental review, permitting, coastal management, or natural resource management programs.
• Experience working with state, federal, or local government agencies.

Compensation Range: $60,000 - $70,000 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Review Date: Applications will be reviewed on August 17, 2026. Position open until filled.

Conditions of Employment

• This position requires work beyond the standard workweek, including evenings and weekends, based on operational needs.
• Position requires approximately 60% day travel to field sites with little to no overnight travel required.
• Must be able to successfully perform field work in outdoor weather conditions and varying environmental settings.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Hybrid work arrangement available consistent with university policy and operational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Review and Advisory Services – 85%

• Review regulated projects through the Joint Permit Application (JPA) request process administered through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and other applicable regulatory authorities.
• Evaluate requests to determine regulatory requirements associated with proposed activities based on applicable state statutes, regulations, and jurisdictional authorities.
• Review technical documents including engineering drawings, site plans, permit applications, environmental assessments, mitigation proposals, and supporting project documentation.
• Conduct field site visits and assessments to evaluate existing environmental conditions and potential impacts associated with proposed activities.
• Provide unbiased review of potential environmental consequences, including options for reduction of impacts and guidance on compensatory mitigation strategies.
• Conduct literature reviews and consultation with VIMS faculty and subject matter experts to support development of science-based recommendations.
• Develop advisory comments and technical recommendations for consideration by state regulatory agencies during permitting and decision-making processes.
• Maintain records and documentation associated with environmental reviews and advisory responses.

Marine and Coastal Advisory Services – 10%

• Serve as a marine and coastal science advisory point of contact for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Effectively partner with Virginia state agencies, local wetlands boards, marine and coastal-related private industries, and federal agencies to provide advisory services and products.
• Collaborate with faculty and research scientists to develop and deliver advisory products and technical information.

Institutional Representation and Professional Service – 5%

• Serve as an institutional representative for advisory activities and products developed through ORAS.
• Represent the Office of Research and Advisory Services and VIMS for select technical, regulatory, and policy bodies, as needed.
• Participate in professional meetings, workshops, conferences, and stakeholder engagements supporting the VIMS advisory mission.

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Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.