Environmental Scientist – Entry Level – Permit Focus (Hybrid)

The role – what you’ll do

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.

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Permitting and compliance: 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.

• Environmental impact and reporting: 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.).

• Regulatory knowledge: work with regulatory programs related to project work, which may include watershed districts, state and federal agencies, and municipalities, among others.

• Client support: provide occasional support for client meetings, audits, assessments, etc.

About the opportunity

• Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position will be based out of Barr’s Minneapolis office.

• Work environment: ability to work in an office or field environment. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

About you – required core competencies

• Education: bachelor’s degree in environmental science, studies, or policy; ecology; natural resources management; biology; botany; or a related field.

• Experience: 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.

• Communication: effective oral communication skills. Exceptional technical writing skills with attention to detail.

• Software: 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.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

• 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.

Compensation: anticipated range of $70,000–$80,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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