Permitting Specialist-Tucson, AZ Part-time
About The Position
Certerra is a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve. We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms. With a 60-year history, Certerra has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world-class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients. Job Summary: The Permitting Specialist will assist in the preparation, submission, and management of environmental permits for projects in Arizona and beyond, with a primary focus on AZPDES (Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits for discharges to surface waters (including stormwater, wastewater, and industrial discharges), Section 404 permits under the Clean Water Act for dredge and fill activities in waters of the U.S. (administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), and other related federal, state, and local environmental permits. This leadership role involves overseeing permitting strategies, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and serving as the primary point of contact with agencies such as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and EPA. The position requires deep expertise in Clean Water Act regulations, strong project management skills, and the ability to navigate complex permitting processes for infrastructure, development, mining, energy, or industrial projects while minimizing environmental impacts and supporting project timelines.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (required) in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 8–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in environmental permitting, with at least 5 years in a supporting complex permitting projects.
- Demonstrated expertise in Clean Water Act programs, particularly AZPDES/NPDES permitting (stormwater, wastewater discharges) and USACE Section 404 permitting (wetlands, dredge/fill).
- Proven track record leading permit applications for large-scale projects in Arizona or similar arid/southwestern environments (e.g., infrastructure, mining, energy, development).
- Strong knowledge of federal and Arizona environmental regulations, including ADEQ processes, USACE permitting procedures, and related requirements (e.g., mitigation banking, jurisdictional determinations).
- Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills, with experience preparing technical reports, permit applications, and presenting to stakeholders/agencies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Valid driver's license required, with ability to travel to project sites and agency meetings as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in a relevant discipline preferred.
- familiarity with GIS tools for mapping and analysis preferred.
- Professional certification preferred, such as: Registered Geologist or Professional Engineer
- Certified Wetland Scientist (CWS) or Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) through the Society of Wetland Scientists.
- Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) or similar.
- Other relevant certifications (e.g., stormwater inspector training, wetland delineation courses) are a plus.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation, compilation, and submission of AZPDES individual and general permits (e.g., for municipal, industrial, construction stormwater, and MS4 discharges), including completing required forms (Form 1, Form 2A/2S), developing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), and ensuring compliance with ADEQ requirements.
- Manage Section 404 permitting processes, including jurisdictional determinations, pre-application consultations with USACE, preparation of permit applications, alternatives analyses, mitigation plans, and coordination for individual or nationwide/general permits involving dredge/fill in wetlands or waters of the U.S.
- Oversee additional environmental permitting efforts, such as Section 401 Water Quality Certifications, Aquifer Protection Permits (APP), NEPA compliance support, endangered species consultations, and other state/local permits as needed.
- Develop and implement permitting strategies, timelines, and budgets; identify potential regulatory risks and recommend avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures.
- Serve as technical support for senior staff for regulatory agencies; prepare documents for meetings, public notices, hearings, and agency negotiations.
- Coordinate with internal teams (engineers, biologists, hydrologists, project managers) and external consultants to gather data, conduct environmental assessments, and prepare supporting documentation (e.g., wetland delineations, biological surveys, water quality modeling).
- Review and interpret federal (Clean Water Act, NEPA) and Arizona-specific regulations; stay current on updates to AZPDES, Section 404 guidelines, and related policies.
- Mentor junior staff on permitting processes, regulatory compliance, and best practices
Benefits
- Equal Opportunity Employer
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Senior
