Environmental Scientist Permitting Compliance

There’s never been a more exciting time to support NASA’s mission. In the wake of Artemis II and the continued push toward deep space exploration, Kennedy Space Center is buzzing with innovation and momentum.

We’re looking for an Environmental Scientist who wants to be part of this next chapter—supporting critical environmental permitting and compliance efforts that help make these missions possible.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of environmental regulation, engineering, and real-world project execution.

General Description

Under the guidance of the Regulatory Compliance and Planning Manager, the Permitting Compliance Specialist will support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Environmental Management Branch (EMB) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure compliance with Environmental Permitting, NEPA compliance and related regulations, assisting NASA, its contractors, and commercial tenants at KSC.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

• Assist NASA EMB with management of environmental permitting and compliance efforts in support of coordination with regulatory agencies including USACE, FDEP, USFWS, and SJRWMD.
• Review and evaluate engineering drawings, site plans, and permit applications to assess environmental impacts and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with contractor environmental Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) where required to support project goals.
• Provide technical guidance to engineering teams on natural resource avoidance, minimization, and mitigation, including wetland mitigation and vegetation management.
• Support environmental compliance efforts, including coordination with NEPA and NHPA subject matter experts, while focusing primarily on environmental permitting and regulatory compliance (e.g., Clean Water Act, ESA, CZMA)
• Advise and provide consultation with NASA on permitting strategies and compliance requirements.
• Conduct environmental reviews, support the KSC NEPA environmental checklist and REC process, and communicate regulatory requirements to contractors and stakeholders.
• Perform research and contribute to environmental policy, guidance documents, and multidisciplinary team initiatives.
  
  

The duties and responsibilities described in this position description in no way state or imply that these are the only duties performed. This position may require that additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We Value You

• You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.
• You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across.
• You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.
• You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful.
• You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work.
  
  

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, policy, engineering, or a related field.
• 4–8 years of relevant professional experience in environmental permitting and compliance
• Strong knowledge of environmental permitting processes and regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., Clean Water Act, ESA, CZMA), with direct experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member across technical disciplines.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, where the information being communicated includes precise data and terminology.
• Ability to read, analyze and understand written information including environmental permit applications, regulations, statements of work, site plans, and engineering drawings.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
  
  

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The Physical Demands And Work Environment Characteristics Described Here Are Representative Of Those That Must Be Met By An Employee To Successfully Perform The Essential Functions Of The Job. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Job Functions

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Work Environment: Work will mainly be performed in an office setting with occasional outdoor activities and may require irregular hours.
• Travel: A low to moderate amount of travel away from office may be required.