Environmental Engineer/Ecological Restoration Designer – Entry Level (Hybrid)

Job Description:

Summary: 

The person in this position will work on ecological analysis and design projects involving streams and wetlands plus other potential resources and natural features such as woodlands, lakes, shorelines, and sand dunes. Work will largely be completed to help clients address requirements under ecological regulations including local community zoning ordinances, the State of Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (such as Parts 301, 303, 325, and 353), and the U.S. Clean Water Act (Part 404) through stream restoration (such as channel naturalizing, daylighting, and/or dam removal) and wetland restoration (such as re-establishing historically drained wetlands). The work will include characterizing environmental resources, performing impact and mitigation assessments, preparing design documents, and supporting project permitting, construction, and post-construction compliance monitoring.  

Working as an individual or as part of a project team, assignments are expected to include site inspections and field data collection; stream characterization (including fluvial geomorphology analysis and use of the Michigan stream quantification tool [MiSQT]); hydrologic assessments and water balances; supporting resource-impact analyses and mitigation strategy planning; preparation of design basis documentation; natural stream channel design; surface water control and stormwater management design; preparation of plans and technical specifications; creation of erosion protection plans; construction observation; and reporting. Work will also include supporting project permitting and communicating with clients, permitting agencies, and public officials.   

  
Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, or other related degree from an accredited program

• Professional Engineer (PE) certification in Michigan or the ability to obtain certification within three years

• Experience in ecological design

• Experience preparing construction plans including grading, sections, and details

• Experience writing technical specifications

• Experience working and communicating with construction contractors and performing construction observation services

• Proficiency with AutoCAD

• Exceptional organizational skills

• Self-driven and independently motivated to manage multiple tasks with strong attention to detail and minimal guidance or direction 

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members and clients

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, client-driven environment and to manage teams/commitments across many different clients and projects

• A flexible working style and the ability to work with teams of specialists to meet project needs

• Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship from Barr, now or in the future

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record 

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s or other advanced degree in civil engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, or other related degree from an accredited program

• Professional Engineer (PE) certification

• Advanced professional development training for wetland and/or stream restoration practices, including natural channel design

• 5+ years of professional experience in ecological design

• Experience supporting wetland impact assessments and restoration/wetland mitigation design

• Experience performing stream geomorphic surveys and field assessments

• Experience conducting stream characterization, applying MiSQT to determine loss of functional feet, designing stream mitigation and calculating the functional lift achieved with the MiSQT, and preparing plans and specifications for stream restoration/mitigation construction

• Experience designing stormwater best management practices including conveyances and ponds

• Experience collaborating with landscape architects and natural resource design professionals

• Experience communicating with clients and advising on strategies to effectively navigate and meet environmental and ecological regulations

• Experience negotiating with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and other regulatory agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, local township officials and consultants, etc.) on behalf of clients

• Experience prepa