Environmental Scientist – Entry Level – Permit Focus (Hybrid)

Barr Engineering Co • Minneapolis, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Barr is seeking an environmental scientist with a permit review focus to join our Minneapolis team. In this hybrid role, you will support the Water Resources group with reviewing permit applications submitted to watershed districts and/or municipal clients for development and redevelopment projects. You may also assist with characterization of environmental resources, impact assessments, and project permitting and compliance. A successful person in this role is motivated and emphasizes client service by providing quality deliverables. They enjoy working independently and as part of a team, using their expertise and technical skills to add to each project. They are flexible in working with their project teams and are willing to occasionally modify schedules to meet project deadlines and/or client needs. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, as well as excellent organizational skills, including scheduling, prioritization, and follow-up, are key to success. Additionally, this role requires the ability to effectively present technical information to diverse audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, studies, or policy; ecology; natural resources management; biology; botany; or a related field.
• Minimum three years of relevant water resources experience.
• Familiarity with stormwater management, earthwork and grading plans, and stormwater best management practices (BMPs).
• Basic understanding of water-related concepts, standards, and environmental regulations.
• Effective oral communication skills.
• Exceptional technical writing skills with attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and PDF editing software.
• 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

• Experience with environmental regulations and permitting in Minnesota or the Midwest.
• Experience with erosion and sediment control practices.
• Knowledge of floodplain and wetland management.
• Familiarity with GIS tools (ArcGIS, Collector, AGOL, Field Maps, etc.).
• Experience with wetland delineations, wetland assessments, wetland restoration design and construction, and restoration contracting and management.
• Experience with NEPA/MEPA.
• Applied knowledge of state and federal endangered species programs.
• Project design experience (e.g., subdivision site or roadway design, stormwater management facility design, etc.), including preparation of plans and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Review development and construction plans for compliance with stormwater, erosion and sediment control, floodplain, and wetland management rules.
• Coordinate with permitting agencies, watershed district staff, public officials, and legal counsel.
• Evaluate stormwater plans and designs submitted by applicants.
• Assessing baseline conditions; conducting and performing desktop ecological resources; and preparing clear, technical impact analyses and supporting documentation (i.e., raptor surveys, migratory bird surveys, noxious weed inventories, suitable habitat evaluations, etc.).
• Work with regulatory programs related to project work, which may include watershed districts, state and federal agencies, and municipalities, among others.
• Provide occasional support for client meetings, audits, assessments, etc.

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: Entry Level