On-call Environmental Scientist-Regional Air Quality Modeling

Our Business

WSP is a global professional services firm with world-class expertise in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors. Combined we have over 73,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide (nearly 20,000 in the US) collaborating daily to pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects to our clients.

As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

WSP is currently seeking a mid- to senior-level On-call Environmental Scientist-Regional Air Quality Modeling to join our Air Quality Compliance Team based in Durham, NC. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to help shape and expand WSP's regional air quality modeling capabilities across the Southeast and nationally. The successful candidate will serve as a key technical resource for photochemical modeling projects while helping develop tools, procedures, and best practices that support a growing portfolio of regulatory and compliance-driven work. This environmental compliance team provides opportunities for career growth and collaboration with a team of 140+ air quality professionals. We are looking for a candidate who will work independently and as part of a small team to provide high-quality technical deliverables while operating with a high degree of independence and professional judgment.

Candidate will lead development and continuous improvement of modeling workflows, quality assurance procedures, analysis tools, and technical guidance documents supporting WSP's regional air quality modeling practice. This position offers a unique opportunity to help establish and grow a regional photochemical modeling practice within one of the nation's largest air quality consulting teams.

Hybrid, flexible, and remote work arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates. This role is initially anticipated to support a variable-hour schedule, potentially on a part-time basis, with the opportunity to transition to a full-time position as the regional air quality modeling practice expands.

Your Impact

• Support regional photochemical modeling studies for ozone, PM2.5, visibility, National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) attainment demonstrations, PSD permitting evaluations, State Implementation Plan (SIP) development, and other regulatory analyses.
• Provide technical leadership and execution support for air quality compliance projects through application of grid-based photochemical modeling and interpretation of federal and state regulatory requirements.
• Participate in client meetings, technical workshops, and regulatory agency discussions to communicate modeling approaches and study results.
• Participate in proposal development, scope preparation, and technical approach development for regional air quality modeling opportunities.
• Mentor junior staff in regional air quality modeling methodologies, quality assurance procedures, and technical documentation development as the regional modeling practice continues to grow.
• Support air quality environmental compliance-related projects through application of grid-based photochemical modeling, including interpretation of state and federal guidance and regulations.
• Conduct scientific and engineering calculations, analyze and interpret technical data, and create clear, concise reports and presentations using multiple different software programs.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation of model options and analysis of model outputs.
• Provide technical memorandums and reports satisfying environmental compliance requirements for state, local, and federal regulations.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company resources and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct, policies, and procedures.
• Complete mandatory training as assigned by WSP-corporate.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant post-education experience.
• Experience with development and submission of modeling protocols to state or federal agencies.
• Proven record of scientific and regulatory communication of complex air quality modeling topics.
• Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory and scientific information clearly to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Proven capability to multi-task effectively, prioritize tasks, and work both independently and as part of a team. Self-motivated with a problem-solving mindset, capable of meeting business objectives under general supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to provide constructive technical feedback and contribute to continuous improvement of project workflows and deliverables.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and occasionally accommodate schedule-driven projects with compressed regulatory or client deadlines.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Experience with EPA’s Community Multi-scale Air Quality Model (CMAQ), including regulatory applications.
• Experience with preparing, modifying, and developing CMAQ input files, including related processors such as SMOKE, MCIP, and WRFChem.
• This will require command of a Linux environment, Fortran, Python, R, and/or additional scripting language experience.
• Experience with interpretation of CMAQ results using EPA approved analysis procedures and tools.
• Expertise in regional chemical processes to demonstrate compliance with the NAAQS.
• Familiarity with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.

Technical Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Maintain active participation in professional and scientific organizations (e.g., A&WMA, AAAR, AMS, AGU) to stay current with advances in atmospheric science, photochemical modeling methodologies, regulatory guidance, and industry best practices.