Staff Environmental Scientist - Noise

About The Opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants’ Air Quality Department is actively seeking to fill a Staff Environmental Scientist - Noise position.

This position involves both theoretical and practical applications of acoustical engineering to assess the effects of noise on environments, wildlife, and human populations. The successful candidate will leverage a deep understanding of acoustics, engineering, and environmental science, alongside advanced proficiency in various modeling tools and technologies. This role demands a dynamic approach to problem-solving, as the Noise Scientist will develop and implement complex noise and vibration models, ensuring that our projects comply with current environmental policies and contribute positively to community standards.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

What You Will Accomplish

• Conduct environmental impact assessments to determine the effects of noise and vibration on populations and noise-sensitive receptors.
• Design and develop noise models using advanced modeling software.
• Carry out on-site sound monitoring for environmental impact studies, including data collection and analysis using state-of-the-art noise measurement instrumentation.
• Calculate sound propagation using standard methods and specialized software.
• Evaluate mitigation measures and verify their effectiveness.
• Write detailed technical reports, including graphs, charts, and maps that articulate both current and projected noise levels.
• Communicate effectively with government bodies, clients, and internal teams to provide updates and findings.
• Maintain and calibrate noise collection and measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of data.
• Work collaboratively and independently, managing multiple projects with high efficiency.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and qualifications for success

• Bachelor’s degree in Acoustics, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in noise and vibration modeling, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of environmental policies, regulations, and laws, particularly those related to noise and vibration.
• Experienced with acoustical theory, field measurement, and monitoring of sound.
• Familiarity with a variety of sound measurement instruments and modeling software (e.g., SoundPLAN, TNM, RCNM, CADNA/A) preferred.
• Experience in dealing with industrial, transportation, and environmental noise.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a team environment.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), strategic thinking, presentation, and "people" skills.
• Diligent and detail-oriented with a desire to learn.
• Able to work with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Excellent time management skills to prioritize tasks and maintain a manageable workload.
• Availability to conduct fieldwork during and outside normal business hours, and for extended periods as required.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with environmental consulting.
• Advanced certification in acoustical modeling or related areas.
• Strong familiarity with FHWA Traffic Noise Model (FHWA TNM v2.5) and formal training in its application.
• Proficiency in engineering drawing software (such as OpenRoads, Microstation, Geopak, AutoCAD), ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office applications.
  
  

Why Work At SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full-spectrum of environmental services. Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.

We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).

At SWCA, we support our team members in developing their careers to make them leaders in their industry. Our Career Landscape initiative is a process and guide designed to help develop chart rewarding career paths for employees at SWCA. We encourage professional conference attendance, internal and external professional development and training programs, education reimbursement, a Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for publications meeting certain criteria. All regular status employees are eligible to participate in SWCA medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans, and are eligible to participate in the SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.

If you would like to contact SWCA regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the online application process due to a disability, please email accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only. All other inquiries will not receive a response.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

A Staff Noise Specialist employee in this US-based position can expect an hourly rate of $30.98/hr. - $40.43/hr. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.