Senior Regulatory Permitting Specialist

Michael Baker International•Santa Ana, CA

7d•$110,000 - $160,000

About The Position

PLANNING PRACTICE We create, integrate, visualize and communicate planning concepts as they move from the initial vision through implementation. Our planning professionals build strong client partnerships, working with residents, businesses, developers, educational and medical organizations, state and local governments, the military and other federal agencies to successfully plan the future of their communities or institutions. At Michael Baker International, we focus on people and places, improving communities and creating more sustainable, convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places. DESCRIPTION Michael Baker International is seeking a Senior Regulatory Permitting Specialist to support aquatic resource assessments for development, maintenance, ecosystem restoration, and conservation projects located in the southern California region. The ideal candidate would have extensive experience with field survey techniques, technical reporting standards, and regulations protecting wetlands and waters of the US/state. This position requires the application of critical thinking and solution-oriented approaches to problems towards such tasks as completing aquatic resources delineations, analyzing field-collected biological resources survey data, preparation and QA/QC of technical reports, introducing and collaborating on improvements to workflow and products, staffing coordination, project alternatives analyses, and facilitating the timely processing regulatory permit applications with federal and state resource agencies. Additionally, the requirements position associated with the position include daily planning of assignments and tasks, and additional leadership duties as assigned. RESPONSIBILITIES The successful candidate would be part of a team that services a variety of projects associated with land development (e.g., residential, commercial), public works (e.g., flood control, transportation, water resource), habitat restoration, and other market sectors. The Senior Regulatory Permitting Specialist would assist with day-to-day project needs and work collaboratively with Michael Baker’s extensive network of in-house professionals including other natural resource experts, environmental planners, land development specialists, engineers, hydrologists, and GIS analysts. A balance of field survey days, remote work from home, and office days will vary from week-to-week and seasonally. Field-level tasks typically comprise 1 to 2 days per week and are located within a two-hour drive from Michael Baker’s Southern California office locations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Resource Management, or related field
5-10 years of experience with biological and aquatic resources services-oriented work including involvement and proficiency with regulatory permitting and compliance per CEQA, NEPA, CWA, MBTA, CFGC, FESA, and CESA
Professionally-demonstrated knowledge of biology, botany, restoration ecology, fluvial geomorphology, hydric soils indicators, and Streamflow Duration Assessment Methods (SDAMs) in the Southern California region
Desire to continuously learn and grow as a professional to provide mentorship and support the career goals of emerging staff
Ability to travel and perform in different weather conditions and moderately difficult terrain while meeting set project schedules and budgets
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate technical knowledge and analyses in reports, team meetings, and client interactions
Strong computer skills using the Microsoft Office Suite
Expertise with GPS mapping applications (e.g., Field Maps, Survey 123) and post-field GIS workflow coordination

Nice To Haves

Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or CRAM Trained Practitioner preferred, but not mandatory

Responsibilities

Conducting field work to map jurisdictional wetland and stream resources across watersheds and ecoregions within Southern California
Researching and preparing technical studies, with a primary focus on aquatic resources delineation reports
Providing senior review of technical reports
Preparing and processing regulatory agency permit applications for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Coastal Commission
Providing technical reviews of aquatic resource delineation reports and regulatory permit application packages
Managing personal workload and coordinating task scheduling with a group manager
Supporting preparation of scopes and costs for proposals involving regulatory services tasks
Reviewing workload demands to evaluate and adjust staffing needs to meet client goals
Reviewing group workflow to identify and implement value-added process improvements and efficiencies