Environmental Permitting Specialist – Entry Level (Hybrid)

Barr • Duluth, MN

2d • $55,000 - $65,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Barr is seeking an environmental permitting specialist to join its Duluth office and undertake challenging and fast-paced work on large and complex environmental permitting and compliance projects. Assigned work tasks may include conducting environmental reviews; communicating with regulatory agencies and client contacts; developing and reviewing environmental permit applications; assisting a team of people with environmental review and permitting; coordinating field inspections and supporting field staff; and reviewing field reports to verify environmental compliance. The selected candidate will work with other Barr staff, as well as with clients, subcontractors and regulatory staff. The ideal candidate for this position is a clear and confident communicator who thrives in collaborative and independent work environments. They are adaptable, organized, proactive, eager to learn, and comfortable asking thoughtful questions. They bring a high level of attention to detail and take ownership of assigned tasks. They demonstrate reliability, strong problem-solving skills, and a growth mindset as they build their technical skills and professional judgment. Above all, they value teamwork, quality, and integrity in delivering impactful environmental solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physical, natural, or environmental science; environmental engineering, or related degree
• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Strong computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite
• 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

• 2+ years of professional experience with federal/state environmental regulatory programs or related experience
• Experience with state and federal environmental regulations, permitting processes, and/or field compliance for utility corridor projects
• Experience with soil erosion and sedimentation control plans, construction storm water plans, and site restoration plans
• AGOL/ArcGIS or database software familiarity

Responsibilities

• Apply environmental principles and regulatory knowledge to support environmental reviews, develop and review permit applications, and track compliance with applicable federal and state requirements.
• Coordinate and support field inspections and environmental review activities. Assist project teams by organizing permitting efforts, tracking progress, and reviewing field reports to verify compliance and accuracy.
• Evaluate environmental data, site conditions, and regulatory requirements to identify potential permitting or compliance challenges. Contribute to effective, practical solutions that support project goals while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Clearly communicate with regulatory agencies, clients, and internal team members regarding permitting requirements, application development, and compliance status through written documentation and verbal updates.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams, regulatory staff, clients, and subcontractors to support permitting efforts and align environmental compliance activities with overall project objectives.

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
• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
• Work/life balance: 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
• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

What This Job Offers

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