Full-Time
Stormwater
Water Quality Specialist
Posted on 1/16/2026
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB)
Infrastructure planning, design, and engineering consulting
Compensation Overview
$75k - $95k/yr
Belmont, MA, USA
Hybrid
Hybrid workplace option; some onsite in Watertown, MA.
 Data & Analytics (2) |
|---|
| , |
- Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental engineering, environmental science, GIS, regional/urban planning or related discipline
- 3-5 years of professional experience in environmental consulting, water resources, or GIS field
- Master’s degree may be considered as substitution for years of professional experience
- Provide support for stormwater regulatory compliance programs for state and local government and private clients
- Develop data management tools in ArcGIS, including ArcGIS Online
- Create and maintain stormwater asset geodatabases and web services in both Enterprise GIS and ArcGIS Online environments
- Perform moderately complex analysis of spatial data using GIS technology (e.g., buffering, spatial overlays, distance calculations)
- Diagnoses and troubleshoots GIS software across the entire GIS software stack
- Perform field investigations including, but not limited to, stormwater system inspections, construction site inspections, stormwater system mapping, and water quality sampling
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support water quality studies and plans
- Develop innovative, data-driven approaches for internal and client workflows, with a focus on utilizing ArcGIS
- Task management, including delegation and review of others’ work, or independently manage projects
- Prepare technical reports, graphics, and guidance documents
- Support the development of federal, state, and local permit applications
- Support stormwater program funding approaches, including preparing grant applications and developing stormwater enterprise funds
- Experience with project management a plus
- Data visualization and graphic design skills a plus
- Familiarity with hydrologic processes, water quality treatment mechanisms, and drainage system design concepts a plus
- Ability to travel in region, if required
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) provides planning, design, engineering, and consulting services to build infrastructure and communities, mainly along the East Coast. Its work is project-based, often in partnerships with government agencies and private clients, and it emphasizes long-term client relationships and sustainable practices. VHB’s methods involve coordinating with clients to plan projects, design solutions, and deliver engineering work that supports community development and inclusive growth. Unlike some competitors, VHB focuses on serving small and local businesses, prioritizes a culture of belonging, and adheres to a generational philosophy that aims to sustain the organization and its values for the future. The company’s goal is to shape tomorrow’s communities by delivering infrastructure that is sustainable, inclusive, and capable of serving diverse stakeholders today and for generations to come.
Company Size
N/A
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Watertown, Massachusetts
Founded
1979
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Drive Engineering acquisition in 2026 adds ITS and traffic operations expertise in Pennsylvania offices.
- $12 million CIF grant funds Middletown riverfront revitalization with pedestrian bridge over Route 9.
- Joint Base Cape Cod Master Plan leadership with Sasaki and partners expands federal contracts.
What critics are saying
- Federal funding cliff post-2026 slashes 20-40% of government project revenue in FY2027-2028.
- Drive Engineering talent exodus within 12 months erodes ITS capabilities and client relationships.
- AECOM and Jacobs underprice VHB on multi-state contracts, compressing margins in 12-18 months.
What makes Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) unique
- VHB integrates multidisciplinary teams of 2,300 engineers, scientists, planners, and designers across 23 East Coast offices.
- Generational company philosophy drives continuous improvement and employee ownership transitions since 1979.
- Holistic approach examines projects across transportation, real estate, energy, and environmental sectors.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Hybrid Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Professional Development Budget
Company News
VHB begins coastal resilience planning for Mario Umana Academy. Boston, MA. March 23, 2026 VHB has begun working with the City of Boston on a new coastal resilience project focused on the Mario Umana Academy campus, a K-8 public school in East Boston. The effort will explore strategies to reduce flood risk in the surrounding neighborhood while improving public space and community infrastructure on-site. The project is identified as a key element of the City's broader Climate Ready Boston initiative, which identifies long-term strategies to protect vulnerable coastal areas from sea level rise and storm surge. As the City advances neighborhood-specific resilience solutions, the area surrounding Mario Umana Academy has been identified as a critical location where flood pathways could impact nearby homes, streets, and community facilities. Located in a low-lying coastal area of East Boston, the school and surrounding open spaces are susceptible to flooding during major coastal storm events. VHB's role will focus on evaluating design options that can help reduce these risks while maintaining the usability and character of the site. This project has the added complexity of balancing public access with student safety. The project team is currently conducting an alternatives analysis to determine the most effective approach for protecting the area. Potential strategies under consideration include raising existing seawall structures, elevating portions of open spaces, or implementing a combination of shoreline and landscape-based solutions. Because successful coastal resilience solutions often need to cross multiple properties and infrastructure systems, the planning process will evaluate how flood protection measures can integrate with the surrounding neighborhood. Solutions may include modifications to existing public spaces that both improve storm protection and enhance recreational opportunities for the community. At this early stage, VHB is collaborating with City partners to assess existing site conditions, understand flood pathways, and identify feasible design alternatives that balance engineering performance, environmental considerations, and community needs. The alternatives analysis will help guide the next phases of design, providing the City of Boston with a framework for implementing resilient infrastructure that protects critical community assets like Mario Umana Academy. Industry Insights
New York-based engineering company expands into pa. following acquisition. VHB acquired Drive Engineering, a 16-year-old transportation engineering firm, with offices in East Pennsboro Township near Camp Hill; in Upper Gwynedd Township near Lansdale, Montgomery County, and in Philadelphia. "This partnership reflects VHB's commitment to shaping the future of mobility while growing our presence in key markets like Pennsylvania," Michael Carragher, chair and CEO of VHB, said in a news release. "By combining Drive's technology-informed approach with VHB's integrated services, we can accelerate innovation and deliver smarter, more resilient transportation systems for communities across the East Coast." Drive Engineering co-founders Mario Toscano and Allie Slizofski will join VHB. Officials at VHB said that through the acquisition, VHB will strengthen its capabilities in Intelligent Transportation Systems, traffic operations, and data-informed mobility planning. New York-based VHB employs around 2,300 scientists, planners, and designers. The company was founded in 1979 and has more than 30 offices in 14 states and the District of Columbia.
VHB to support the revitalization of Connecticut Riverfront. VHB will partner with the City of Middletown to restore and revitalize the Connecticut Riverfront. Supported by a $12 million Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) grant, this ambitious project will reconnect the community to the river, convert underused and contaminated sites into vibrant public spaces, and advance Middletown's "Return to the Riverbend" Master Plan. Project highlights: * New pedestrian and bike pathways for safe, accessible riverfront enjoyment * Riverbank stabilization and environmental remediation to protect natural resources * Creation of a pedestrian bridge over Route 9 to link downtown Middletown with the waterfront * Innovative design and inclusive engagement to confirm the project reflects community and developer interest VHB's CT Director of Environmental Services Amy Vaillancourt will support the City in all technical project aspects, including preparing specifications, cost estimates, and assisting with contractor bidding and permitting. Acting as a bridge between the City, community, and private sector, VHB will leverage technical knowledge, inclusive engagement, and innovative design to transform key properties into thriving assets that celebrate Middletown's riverfront heritage and future potential. Amy's work with Middletown's riverfront spans nearly 30 years, beginning with the City's first ever Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfield pilot grant in 1995. Over the years, Amy helped secure more than $15 million in grant funding for riverfront revitalization. "As a longtime resident of Middletown, seeing this project come to fruition has been so rewarding," said Amy. "VHB has been involved in reviving Middletown's riverfront for many years, from securing community investment grant funding to volunteering at the Connecticut River Conservancy's annual Source to Sea Cleanup. We're proud to play a role in this restoration effort, which will provide numerous community benefits for years to come." The "Return to the Riverbend" campaign presents an inspired and achievable vision for the transformation of the City's riverfront into a vibrant extension of downtown to be enjoyed by all Middletown residents. The plan guides future growth and development of the riverfront, including recommendations for future land use, flood protection, transportation improvements, and community benefits. Interested in joining its team? Its Wethersfield office is hiring a Senior Environmental Scientist! Learn more and apply now.
Todd Pedersen joins VHB as Metro DC Real Estate Market Director. VHB is pleased to welcome Todd Pedersen, LEED AP BD+C, as the new Metro DC Real Estate Market Director. In this role, Todd will oversee the delivery of ongoing projects and drive strategic business development through partnerships with owners, developers, and design leaders. With more than 15 years of experience leading the development of complex real estate and infrastructure projects globally, Todd has managed real estate portfolios and capital programs for clients including Georgetown University, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of the Treasury, and both privately held and public companies. His work has advanced sustainable, high-performing environments - from guiding the Washington Union Station Master Plan to large-scale public private partnerships across the United States. "Todd brings extensive experience and leadership that will enhance and broaden VHB's services to our clients in the DC-area real estate market," said Joe Wanat, VHB Managing Director for Metro DC. "His thoughtful and collaborative approach to helping clients solve complex real estate challenges is a perfect fit for our DC-based team." Todd holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Design and Land Use from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
VHB Richmond wins two regional awards. CBT is excited to announce that the VHB Richmond offices have won two local awards this past year! The project won "Office-Small Scale" at the 24th annual Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate (GRACRE) Real Estate Awards this past April. These awards celebrate "excellence and innovative contributions" within the local industry. VHB Richmond also received an honorable mention in the Corporate category (under 35k SF) at the Interior Design Excellence Awards in September, via the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Virginia Chapter and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Virginia & West Virginia Chapter. Congratulations to its workplace design team on these achievements! Located in the heart of historic Richmond, the design concept captures a sense of renewed history - an interplay between the city's storied past and a progressive, modern work culture. Rather than literal references, the design expresses this narrative through layered textures, warm, muted tones, and rhythmic spatial sequencing that reflects the cadence of an urban environment steeped in heritage. The result is a workplace that feels grounded yet forward-looking - familiar in tone, but fresh in form. At its core, an open café and communal space known as "The Pantry" overlooks a courtyard and acts as the social anchor of the office, encouraging daily connection and spontaneous collaboration. The spatial strategy supports a flexible, hybrid work model, offering a balance between focused individual zones and vibrant communal areas. Open workstations, private offices, phone rooms, and meeting spaces are organized to provide a variety of work settings that support autonomy, adaptability, and team interaction. Careful attention to acoustics, lighting, and finish transitions ensures a calm, cohesive environment that promotes both productivity and wellbeing. Strategic planning allowed for budget-conscious decisions - retaining existing infrastructure where possible, integrating modular furniture systems, and using targeted material applications to elevate visual and functional quality without excess. Executed through a strong collaboration between the design team and a locally based architectural partner, the project reflects the shared commitment to design integrity and implementation excellence. This partnership ensured that the conceptual vision carried through to the finest details - from spatial flow to finish quality. Thoughtfully crafted and expertly realized, it stands as a daily expression of the client's culture - rooted in place, designed for performance, and elevated by a renewed sense of history.