Mid-Level NPDES Permit Writer

ERG•Washington, DC

22h•$60,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment. ERG provides technical expertise and high-quality service across the water sector to help improve the environment and public health. Committed to attracting and retaining top talent in the water quality industry, ERG offers a casual and collaborative work environment, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth and development. ERGâ€™s Fairfax, VA office is seeking a Mid-Level Environmental Scientist with 3-10 years of experience supporting Clean Water Act-related environmental efforts across the United States. This role is especially well suited for an NPDES permit writer who can independently manage substantial portions of the permitting process, apply federal and state requirements to complex discharges, communicate effectively with regulators and permittees, and contribute to multiple projects at once. In this role, the selected candidate will work alongside experienced NPDES professionals and multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, scientists, policy specialists, data analysts, and regulatory experts. Responsibilities may include supporting the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, collecting and managing data, analyzing information, conducting desktop reviews and assessments of program documents, and preparing technical reports. Technical work will be performed under the direct supervision and mentorship of experienced ERG staff.

Requirements

3-10 years of experience supporting Clean Water Act-related environmental efforts
Experience with NPDES program implementation or other water-related environmental programs
Familiarity with the NPDES permitting program and regulations pertaining to wastewater and stormwater
MS, BS, or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Engineering or related discipline
Outstanding written and oral communication skills
Strong data analytical skills
Proficiency in conducting desktop research
Ability to work alone and within a multi-disciplinary team
Ability and willingness to travel locally and across the United States as necessary
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Nice To Haves

Acquaintance with erosion and sediment control practices for construction sites and other stormwater pollution prevention best management practices
Knowledge of municipal and/or industrial wastewater treatment processes

Responsibilities

Develop, review, and revise individual and general NPDES permits, fact sheets or statements of basis, public notices, response to comments documents, and supporting administrative records
Review permit applications, discharge monitoring reports, facility records, engineering information, prior permits, inspection findings, and other technical materials for completeness and regulatory relevance
Characterize industrial and municipal processes, wastewater sources, treatment systems, discharge locations, receiving waters, pollutants of concern, and operational conditions
Develop technology-based effluent limitations using applicable effluent limitations guidelines, secondary treatment standards, best professional judgment, and other federal or state requirements
Evaluate the need for water quality-based effluent limitations, including reasonable potential analyses and interpretation of applicable water quality standards, criteria, wasteload allocations, and implementation procedures
Calculate effluent limitations and monitoring requirements using appropriate statistical, technical, and regulatory methods
Address whole effluent toxicity, mixing zones, antidegradation, impaired waters, total maximum daily loads, other water quality issues, as applicable
Develop monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping, special condition, best management practice, compliance schedule, and pretreatment requirements
Review technical analyses prepared by others and perform quality-control checks for regulatory consistency, technical accuracy, and completeness
Research and interpret the Clean Water Act, federal NPDES regulations, effluent guidelines, EPA guidance, state regulations, water quality standards, program policies, and relevant permitting precedents
Coordinate with permitting authorities, facility representatives, technical specialists, and other interested parties to obtain information and resolve permitting issues
Support public participation activities, including preparation of public notices, evaluation of comments, development of responses, and revision of proposed permits
Prepare technical memoranda, regulatory analyses, standard operating procedures, permit templates, guidance materials, and training materials
Track assignments, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and outstanding information needs across multiple concurrent permits or projects
Participate in meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, permittees, and project teams and clearly communicate technical and regulatory conclusions
Provide technical guidance and review support to junior staff and contribute to the development of consistent, efficient permitting approaches
Support NPDES program evaluations, permit quality reviews, backlog reduction efforts, process improvements, and training activities
Contribute to proposals, scopes of work, cost estimates, and other business-development activities, as appropriate