Research Environmental Scientist

RTI International

. Lead and support qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, and communications addressing environmental and natural resource challenges .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeResearch Triangle Park • North Carolina • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $94,000 - $116,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research, stakeholder engagement, and environmental communication. Proficient in project management, proposal development, and translating complex information into accessible formats.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualitative ResearchStakeholder EngagementHuman-Centered DesignProject ManagementProposal Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mixed-Methods ResearchQualitative Data AnalysisThematic CodingSystems MappingDecision-Support Tools

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationActive ListeningFacilitationStrategic ThinkingCreativity

Tools & Technologies

Digital Content CreationVisualizationsDecision Graphics

Industry Keywords

Environmental ScienceEnvironmental PolicyPublic HealthNatural ResourcesBehavioral Science

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and support qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, and communications addressing environmental and natural resource challenges
Contribute to projects involving water resources, agriculture, energy, climate resilience, natural hazards, and environmental risk communication
Design and conduct qualitative and mixed-methods research, including interviews, focus groups, listening sessions, and surveys
Analyze and synthesize qualitative information through thematic coding, systems mapping, and related approaches
Integrate qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns and generate actionable recommendations
Design and implement stakeholder and community engagement strategies using human-centered design, co-creation, participatory research, and workshop facilitation
Translate complex scientific and technical information into accessible reports, visualizations, decision graphics, presentations, and digital content
Lead research tasks and multidisciplinary project teams
Coordinate staff and partners; manage schedules, budgets, deliverables, and quality assurance
Communicate with clients through writing, meetings, and presentations
Support business development through opportunity identification, proposal strategy and writing, partner engagement, and cultivation of research, funding opportunities, and client relationships
Build collaborative relationships across disciplines, organizations, and stakeholder groups
Develop and evaluate decision-support tools and communication products
Contribute to research design, project and task management, client management, proposal development, and strategic business development

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience, master’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Relevant field such as Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Communications, Public Policy, Behavioral Science, or a related discipline
Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, or research communication in environmental, natural resources, public health, or related fields
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Must not require now or in the future sponsorship for employment visa status
Experience in several listed areas, including qualitative and mixed-methods research; qualitative data analysis; stakeholder and community engagement; human-centered design; communication products; project and task management; proposal development; client management; or strategic business development
Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams
Strategic thinking and creativity in addressing complex challenges
Excellent written and verbal communication, active listening, facilitation, and communication with diverse audiences
Initiative and independence in executing research, leading project activities, and developing work and partnerships
Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain quality and reliability
Curiosity and willingness to learn and apply new scientific concepts, methods, technologies, and approaches
High level of self-discernment and commitment to quality
Flexibility for domestic and international travel preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base salary
Generous paid time off policy
Merit-based annual increases
Bonus opportunities
Robust recognition program
Competitive insurance plans, including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability
Retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan
Paid parental leave for all parents
Financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments
Financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities
Employee assistance program
Numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance
Telecommuting options