Environmental Review & Advisory Specialist

• 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

• 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 3, 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.

Additional Job Description

Job Profile

JP0652 - Community Relations/Outreach Specialist - Exempt - Salary - S10

Qualifications

Compensation Grade

S10

Recruiting Start Date

2026-07-17

Position Restrictions

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https:// www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

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.