Environmental Scientist - Mid Level (Hybrid)

Summary:

The person in this position will work with clients and project teams to support characterization of environmental resources, impact assessments, and project permitting and compliance. Specifically, this role involves completing wetland delineations and in-field streams evaluations, protected species assessments, and other ecological field investigations to support the development of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) permit applications typically associated with Part 303 (Wetlands Protection) and Part 301 (Inland Lakes & Streams) of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 1994 PA 451.

Fieldwork will include wetland delineations, botanical inventories, functional assessments, protected species habitat reviews, stream evaluations, ecological restoration monitoring, and both office and on-site meetings with clients and regulatory agency officials. The work may involve occasional short-term, out-of-town assignments in the field or another Barr office. Office-based work may involve performing desktop reviews such as topography, soils, streams, land use/cover, National Wetland Inventory, protected species databases, completing assessments to determine environmental impacts, preparing applications and reports required for implementation of projects and mitigation of impacts, preparing restoration planning documents, and working with clients and regulatory agencies to resolve ecological and regulatory issues for projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science/studies/policy, ecology, natural resources management, biology, botany, or a related natural resources field

• 5 years of relevant experience with regulatory interpretation, and permitting processes primarily involving the lakes, streams, and wetlands regulatory programs through State of Michigan and federal government

• Experience conducting independent wetland delineations, wetland functional assessments, and wetland impact assessments in Michigan

• Familiarity with GPS units and other field data collection applications

• Applied knowledge of endangered species programs

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

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

• Exceptional organizational skills

• Experience with task management

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

• Willingness to occasionally modify personal schedules as required to meet deadlines and/or client 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 acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in environmental science/studies/policy, ecology, natural resources management, biology, botany, or a related natural resources field

• Professional Wetland Scientist Certification

• International Society of Arboriculture Arborist Certification

• Experience conducting tree surveys to comply with municipal tree and woodland protection ordinances.

• Experience performing stream geomorphic surveys and field assessments

• Experience conducting stream characterization and applying the Michigan stream quantification tool (MiSQT) to determine loss of functional feet

• Familiarity with CAD or GIS tools (ArcGIS, Collector, etc.)

• Experience supporting wetland and stream mitigation and/or restoration design

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

• Experience with construction observation

A hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and one's home office. This position is based out of Barr's Ann Arbor, MI office.

Compensation:

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $75,000-85,000/year. This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 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. Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all its profit to our employees through our bonus plan and ESOP.

Note: Applicant must be able to traverse and work in difficult terrain typical of backcountry (e.g., dense vegetation, fallen timber, poor footing soils, streams), roadway, and construction sites, walking up to 10 miles per day in extreme temperatures of up to 90+ degrees Fahrenheit. Work may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of mining or other industrial facilities. Safety training will be provided.

#LI-Hybrid

Benefits - what we offer

We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care

• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock

• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders

• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities

• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave

• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our sucess.

To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture

Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.