Ecologist – Senior Level (Hybrid)

Summary: 

The person in this position will work with clients and project teams on water resources, civil and environmental engineering, and related technical assignments. Tasks may include conducting and/or overseeing wetland delineations, inventories, and functional assessments; performing botanical and wildlife surveys; developing permit applications; planning wetland mitigation projects (including construction oversight); preparing environmental impact assessments; and negotiating with regulatory agencies. The specialist will work with scientists, engineers, and other Barr staff members as well as regulatory staff and clients. They will work to help clients meet ecological and regulatory constraints and prepare applications and reports required for project permitting, implementation, and mitigation of natural resource impacts. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, hydrology, soil science, or similar natural resources field 

• 10 years of relevant experience 

• Knowledge of and experience with Minnesota state and federal regulations and permitting processes including wetland delineation, permitting (Minnesota WCA, Minnesota Work in Public Waters, and Section 404), and mitigation 

• Knowledge of state and federal protected species programs 

• Field experience conducting wetland delineations, botanical surveys, and/or wildlife surveys 

• Experience in working and negotiating cooperatively with local, state, and federal regulators 

• Experience with managing and leading project teams 

• Experience preparing environmental impact assessment documents 

• Experience with GIS tools 

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

• A flexible working style and the ability to work independently and with teams of specialists to meet client and 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 acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree and/or specialized experience in ecology or other natural resources field

• 10+ years of relevant experience

• Knowledge of and experience with wetland restoration design, construction, and restoration project contracting and management

• Proficiency with GIS tools

• Experience with Minnesota EAW and EIS and/or federal EA and EIS preparation

• Experience with power, pipeline, mining, and local government clients

• Experience with business development

• Current MSHA certification 

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 is based out of Barr's Minneapolis or Duluth, Minnesota, offices.

Compensation:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $80,000–$120,000/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. 

Benefits: 
People report that they stay at Barr because of the camaraderie and career opportunities. Another draw is our competitive package of employee benefits, which includes professional development funding, 401(k) retirement savings plan, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) participation, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, disability and accidental death insurance, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses, paid holidays, paid time off (accrues on all hours worked), and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked). Barr’s benefits package offerings include:

• Professional development funding

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) participation, provided through profit distribution

• Cash bonus 

• Medical and dental insurance

• Life insurance

• Disability and accidental death insurance

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off

#LI-Hybrid