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Barr Engineering Co.

Environmental Scientist or Engineer - Mid Level - MI Focus, Water Permitting and

Barr Engineering Co., Ann Arbor, MI


Job Description:

Summary

The person in this position will work with highly collaborative project teams assisting clients with water-quality permitting, regulatory compliance, and related technical assignments for industrial facilities. The position requires strong problem-solving and communication skills to develop technical and permitting solutions to help meet client objectives. This position also requires critical thinking to assist with regulatory analysis, strategy, and negotiations. The person in this position will also be expected to participate in business development activities and project management.

Key responsibilities may include:
  • Providing regulatory assistance including preparing draft NPDES permit applications, stormwater pollution prevention plans, antidegradation alternatives analysis, and related documents
  • Developing conceptual design and analysis of permitting outcomes
  • Coordination with wastewater design teams
  • Providing technical analysis and solution development, including completing calculations for water quality-based toxics control
  • Leading water quality studies associated with NDPES permitting, such as metals translator studies and water-effect ratio development
  • Evaluating new and existing processes or systems with respect to regulatory requirements
  • Project planning and permitting
  • Report writing and review
  • Developing and providing training for clients
  • Participating in or leading stakeholder group discussions including regulatory negotiations
  • Interfacing with industry representatives, regulatory agencies, and technical and information resource experts
  • Developing project scopes of work, work plans, and associated cost estimates


The work may require short-term, out-of-town assignments in the field, at client facilities, or in another Barr office.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in environmental, chemical, civil, or water resources engineering or a related scientific degree
  • 5 years of professional experience with federal and state environmental regulatory programs including NPDES permitting
  • Working knowledge of typical water treatment and control technologies
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with project team members and clients
  • Strong technical and problem-solving skills, including attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness as well as a commitment to producing high-quality deliverables
  • Demonstrated ability to fulfill commitments in a timely manner to meet the service requirements of clients
  • Demonstrated organization and/or project management skills
  • Self-initiative and motivation with a strong emphasis on client service and a desire to cultivate a career in environmental consulting
  • Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office
  • Possession of a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship from Barr, now or in the future


Preferred Qualifications
  • 7 years of professional experience with federal and state water-related environmental regulatory programs
  • Regulatory experience with anti-degradation, TMDL and GLI standards, toxicity reduction evaluations, and the development of effluent limit strategies
  • Experience developing stormwater and spill control plans
  • E.I.T. or interest in pursuing a professional registration
  • Engineering or scientific knowledge and experience in the petroleum refining, pipeline, ethanol, mining, manufacturing, and/or power industries
  • Ability to identify, develop, and evaluate solutions for complex regulatory issues
  • Aptitude for developing client relationships, leads, and opportunities and turning them into business


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 can be based out of Barr's Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan, offices.

NOTE: Applicants must be able to work in locations that feature the rough terrain typical of construction sites and to enter and work in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions common in industrial facilities. Job assignments may involve work on waste disposal sites and sites requiring cleanup of hazardous materials. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required; safety training will be provided.

#LI-Hybrid

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.