Environmental Consultant – Senior Level (Hybrid)

Barr Engineering Co • Grand Rapids, MI

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Barr is seeking a senior environmental consultant to join our Grand Rapids, Michigan, team. In this hybrid role, you will support Barr’s environmental review and natural resources management efforts, primarily across the Midwest, by leading and supporting environmental review, permitting, and compliance projects for a variety of clients. You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to identify opportunities, scope and execute projects, and provide strategic and technical guidance related to environmental permitting and compliance. This includes supporting environmental resource characterization, impact assessments, mitigation planning, and construction monitoring. The ideal candidate is a strong technical leader who combines deep regulatory expertise with excellent client service, business development acumen, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resources management, biology, or a related field.
• 15+ years of direct, relevant experience in environmental permitting, review, and compliance.
• Expertise with State of Michigan and federal environmental review and permitting processes, including NREPA Part 303—Wetlands Protection, Part 301—Inland Lakes and Streams, and Part 31—Floodplains.
• Experience with State of Michigan and federal environmental review and permitting processes, for NREPA Part 323–Shorelands Protection, Part 325–Great Lakes Bottomlands, and Part 353–Sand Dunes Protection.
• Expertise in conducting and overseeing wetland delineations, impact assessments, and mitigation planning for a variety of project sizes and complexities, ranging from large industrial clients to small individual landowners.
• Applied knowledge of state and federal wetland, stream (including MiSQT applications), and endangered species programs.
• Experience managing projects (i.e., forming teams, overseeing work execution, monitoring and controlling cost and schedule, implementing quality assurance and quality control, and stakeholder communications).
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members and clients.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and implement business development strategies.
• Possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree or specialized expertise in ecology, natural resources, or related disciplines.
• Experience with project contracting or construction oversight.
• Experience negotiating with regulatory agencies.
• Experience with stormwater management, permitting, and compliance.
• Experience with the NEPA environmental review process.
• Experience with lake management including water quality and invasive species management.
• Ability to perform avian surveys (visual and auditory bird identification).
• Familiarity with GIS or CAD tools (e.g., ArcGIS, Collector) and GPS units.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental review, permitting, and compliance projects, including forming teams, coordinating work execution, managing budgets and schedules, and ensuring quality outcomes.
• Provide technical expertise and interpretation of state and federal regulations, including Michigan-specific programs, to support permitting strategies and successful approvals.
• Conduct and oversee wetland delineations, functional assessments, impact assessments, mitigation planning, and construction monitoring activities.
• Contribute to leadership efforts in Barr’s Michigan offices, including strategic planning, staff development, and recruiting initiatives.
• Guide and support junior staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
• Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
• Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
• Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior